Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center Limits Cash Payments Starting May 15
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Patients visiting Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center will soon need to adjust how they pay for services. Beginning May 15, the hospital will significantly restrict cash and check payments, shifting toward digital and card-based transactions for safety and efficiency.
What’s Changing?
The medical center will no longer accept cash or checks at most locations. Instead, payments must be made via:
- Credit or debit cards
- Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Online payments through the hospital’s portal
- Phone payments (614-293-2100)
- Mail-in checks (sent to P.O. Box 933020, Cleveland, OH 44193-0031)
For those who still prefer cash, the Central Cashiering Office at 107 Doan Hall (410 W. 10th Ave.) will remain open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Additionally, Reverse ATMs placed throughout the facility will allow patients to convert cash into prepaid cards for payments.
Why the Shift Away from Cash?
Hospital officials cite several reasons for the change:
- Safety: Reducing cash handling minimizes theft risks for staff.
- Hygiene: Paper money and coins carry germs from multiple handlers.
- Efficiency: Digital transactions speed up billing and reduce errors.
“Moving away from cash and checks creates a cleaner, safer, and more streamlined experience for everyone,” the hospital stated on its website.
How Patients Are Reacting
While many hospitals nationwide have adopted cashless policies, some patients—particularly older adults and unbanked individuals—may find the transition challenging.
“I understand the convenience, but not everyone has a credit card or smartphone,” said Martha Reynolds, a frequent patient at Wexner. “I hope they keep the cashier’s office open long-term.”
Hospital representatives assure that assistance will be available for those needing help with digital payments.
The Bigger Trend
Wexner Medical Center isn’t alone in this shift. Major healthcare systems, retailers, and even sports venues are increasingly going cashless, citing similar benefits. However, critics argue that such policies exclude those without access to banking services.
For now, Ohio State’s medical center is balancing modernization with accessibility by maintaining limited cash options.
Patients are encouraged to update their payment methods before the May 15 deadline to avoid delays in billing.
— Reported by Nexio News
