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.