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 reimbursement policy, not traditional insurance. We reimburse fixed amounts based on your care, which gives you the freedom to choose providers and control costs. As the only reimbursement plan that’s designed to be HSA-eligible, you can also pay tax-free with your Start HSA Card, combining flexibility, transparency, and savings.

1. Know Before You Go

Knowing the cash price ahead of time helps you compare providers and make informed choices. Compare cash prices with Start Health’s reimbursement rates to find the best value. You can often get high-quality care at trusted, 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’re a self-pay patient on a reimbursement plan. Pay tax-free with your Start HSA Card or use any method you prefer. Be sure to ask for an itemized bill—you’ll need it to request reimbursement from us.

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4. Submit an Expense

Create an expense in your Member Portal and upload a photo of your itemized bill within 90 days of the date of service. Once approved, your reimbursement will go toward your deductible if it’s not been met. After that, reimbursements go to you. Preventive care is reimbursed to you 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

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.

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