Putting Your Plan Into Practice

How to use and maximize your Start Health plan to take control of your care and spending.

How It Works

Start Health is a fixed benefit health plan, not traditional insurance. We issue fixed benefits based on eligible services received, giving you the freedom to choose providers and control costs. Designed to support HSA eligibility, Start Health also allows you to pay tax-free with your Start HSA Card for added flexibility, transparency, and savings.

1. Know Before You Go

Knowing the cash price ahead of time helps you compare providers and make informed decisions. Compare provider cash prices with Start Health’s fixed benefit rates to find the best value and access quality care at lower-cost providers.

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2. See Any Provider

Start Health lets you see any doctor—no networks, no restrictions. While you’re free to choose, some providers are more cash-pay friendly than others. It’s smart to call around and ask for the cash price of the care you need. Need help? We’re happy to point you in the right direction.

3. Pay For Care

When paying for care, let your provider know you are a self-pay patient with a fixed benefit health plan. You can pay tax-free with your Start HSA Card or use any payment method you prefer. Be sure to request an itemized bill, as you’ll need it to submit an eligible expense for benefits.

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4. Submit an Expense

Create an expense in your Member Portal and upload your itemized bill within 90 days of the date of service. Once approved, eligible benefits are applied toward your deductible if it has not yet been met. After your deductible is satisfied, eligible benefits are issued directly to you. Eligible preventive services are available pre-deductible.

Questions? Call Us.

Whether you’re scheduling an appointment, exploring procedures, or seeking ways to save, we’re here to help.

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Get Added Peace of Mind with Start Shield

While your Start Health benefits are designed to be in line with providers' cash rates, sometimes your Start Health benefit may not fully cover what your provider is willing to accept. That's where Start Shield comes in.

Start Shield is designed to work alongside your Start Health plan by helping address eligible amounts that remain when a provider's charges exceed your Start Health benefits.

If you receive a bill that's higher than your Start Health benefits:

  • Our team reviews the charges for accuracy.
  • We work directly with the provider to negotiate a lower price on your behalf.
  • If a significant balance remains after negotiation, Start Shield may provide additional financial assistance to help limit your out-of-pocket costs.

When does Start Shield apply?

Emergency Care

  • Automatically eligible for Start Shield assistance.

Planned Procedures

  • A Pre-Bill must be submitted before receiving care to be eligible for Start Shield consideration.
  • Whenever possible, planned care should be performed with a preferred provider.

Financial assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Start Shield Terms of Service.

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