For many people, submitting a medical bill and paying a provider directly as a self-pay patient is entirely new. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never navigated healthcare without traditional coverage.
At ShareWELL, we understand these concerns, and our advocacy team is here to help every step of the way. Below, we'll walk you through exactly what happens after you submit a medical bill, so you know what to expect and how we support you.
Opening a Sharing Request
Once you submit your first medical bill, you have opened a Sharing Request. This request remains open while you continue to receive care for the related medical event.
As you receive additional bills for the same event, you submit them to your open Sharing Request in the same place where you originally opened the request.
Sharing Funds
ShareWELL can provide community funds through several methods. The right method depends on you, your provider, and the type of request, and we choose the best option based on the kind of Sharing Request along with provider and member preference.
This part of the process is new to anyone who has never been a self-pay patient. It can be empowering to make payments to providers directly and to see clearly that all of your bills have been paid.
Sharing methods include:
- Instant Debit Card: Used for prepayment, payment at the time of service, or aftercare payment.
- ACH Transfer (Reimbursement): Be sure to submit itemized bills and receipts that match the billed amount.
- Online Payment Portal: Used for prepayment or aftercare payment.
Being a Self-Pay Patient
Always present yourself as a self-pay patient, and submit your bills in a timely manner. Keep an eye out for email requests from ShareWELL, since we may ask for signed HIPAA forms, medical records authorizations, or your preference on how funds are shared with you.
As a self-pay patient, ShareWELL will help you understand the tools available to you for negotiation and fair billing.
Negotiating Bills
Managing medical bills doesn't have to be difficult. ShareWELL is here to guide and support you through every step. Here's how we help:
- Explore self-pay resources: We research all available self-pay options, including those based on your income and household size. To determine eligibility, we may ask about your gross income.
- Bill audits: Our team carefully reviews each bill to identify errors, duplicate charges, or inflated costs.
- Attorney-led negotiations: When needed, we engage experienced attorneys to negotiate with providers on your behalf for fair pricing.
- Member participation: Your involvement, such as contacting providers, completing forms, or sharing required documents, helps us act quickly and effectively.
We work with you to ensure you only pay what's fair for your healthcare.
Support From the Advocacy Team
Our advocacy team supports you by bridging communications, recommending facilities and providers, ensuring a fair cost of service, and answering any questions you have about navigating healthcare as a self-pay patient.
This part of being a ShareWELL member shows the importance and difference of having someone in your corner when navigating healthcare becomes complex. By clearly defining the steps and support available, ShareWELL aims to maintain transparency and fairness for all members.
If you have questions, we are always happy to help you understand any specific situation. You can also learn more about submitting a Sharing Request and find links to submit your requests.