Your Start Health base policy already provides comprehensive coverage on a fixed reimbursement schedule-typically 110-145% of Medicare rates. Once your deductible is met, Start Health covers 100% of eligible medical expenses up to our fixed reimbursement schedule. If your provider charges more than the reimbursement rate, you're responsible for the difference.

Start Shield helps when your provider charges more than your base policy covers, after the base policy's deductible has been met. It pays 80% of the extra costs above your base policy's reimbursement, until you reach your Max Out-of-Pocket:

• $8,000 for individuals
• $16,000 for families

Once you hit that limit, Start Shield covers 100% of any remaining costs beyond what your base policy pays. Start Shield only applies to in-network procedures and only after the base policy's deductible has been met. All emergency care is treated as in-network.