What is a "Self-Pay" Patient?

Knew Health is a simpler, friendlier alternative to traditional healthcare options. One of the features of our Medical Cost Sharing Community that makes it different from conventional approaches is that our Members are "self-pay" patients. Let's explore what it means to be a "self-pay" patient and how it might be liberating and cost-effective for you!

First, here's how it works: Sally is diagnosed with a kidney disorder. With most traditional healthcare options, she would be required to select a provider from an approved network. With Knew Health, Sally would be a "self-pay" patient and be free to select her own provider without limitations. This freedom empowers our Members to choose the care that aligns with their values and needs.

Provider networks like an HMO, PPO, or POS can be confusing and often end up limiting our choice of providers and the type of care we want to receive. Removing this barrier to providers is one of the most gratifying aspects of navigating healthcare as a self-pay patient within our Community.

Plus, self-pay discounts are often comparable to or even better than what a network might offer. Our Care Team works with you one-on-one to help you find high-quality providers who offer fair pricing for self-pay patients that meet your specific healthcare needs. We understand that navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

As a self-pay patient, you'll take the wheel, and we'll be by your side to help you know what questions to ask. This collaborative approach ensures you feel confident and empowered in your healthcare journey.

Let's take blood work, for instance. You see your primary care doctor, who suggests blood work, so they refer you to a nearby network provider. On the surface, a referral to a network provider or being told where to go when we need to obtain blood work seems helpful. The challenge is when the facility we are directed to for blood work has pricing that doesn't align with fair, transparent costs.

Because Knew Health is a Community, and we share in each other's Medical Needs, it's in our best interest to find lower-cost options without sacrificing quality. When Medical Needs are eligible for sharing, keeping costs reasonable benefits everyone in our Community through more sustainable monthly contributions. We help you with this every step of the way, providing guidance and support as you navigate your options.

It's important to note that Knew Health is NOT health insurance. We're a Medical Cost Sharing Community where Members support one another's eligible Medical Needs. This distinction gives us the flexibility to help you find the best care at fair prices.

Don't worry - we wouldn't leave you to figure this out alone! We have a dedicated Care Team that helps you find fair-cost services without sacrificing quality. They help our Members figure out what to do, what to say, and where to go. This personalized support is what makes the Knew Health Community special.

For example, a provider who does not accept insurance (like a DPC or integrative medical provider) will often be more conscious of their patient's budget. They're more likely to take the time to send you for blood work or imaging at a local facility with fair self-pay rates. These providers often share our Community's values of transparent, patient-centered care.

Our Care Team understands that each Member's situation is unique, and they're equipped to provide compassionate, knowledgeable guidance tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Another detail that many of us have been conditioned to believe is that we need an ID card to access healthcare and manage our billing. As a Member of our Community, there's a refreshingly simple approach.

There is a simple phrase that bypasses the need for an ID card: "I am a self-pay patient today." It's as straightforward as that.

Usually, your doctor's office staff will take that information and provide you with an itemized statement for your healthcare services. You may be asked for an upfront payment or a deposit for some types of appointments and specific providers. For yearly doctor's visits or scheduled blood work, you might be required to pay a portion upfront. This amount is typically manageable and will be deducted from your final bill. Your eligible Medical Needs may then be submitted to the Community for sharing according to our Guidelines.

Becoming a self-pay patient might seem like unfamiliar territory at first, but it really is quite simple, and millions of people in the United States navigate healthcare this way each year. The freedom and transparency it offers can be truly empowering.

Knew Health offers cost-effective peace of mind that helps safeguard its Members from unexpected medical events through Community sharing of eligible Medical Needs. We offer one-on-one concierge assistance to our Members, providing tips and support to help them make the best choices for the care they want to receive rather than being limited to a "network." Many of our Members find this liberating and aligned with their values of taking control of their health and wellness.

This approach can also help keep costs reasonable for our entire Community, which we all benefit from through more sustainable monthly contributions. Remember, with an IUA (Initial Unshareable Amount) of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 per year - with a maximum of 3 IUAs per Membership year - plus your Self-Care Credit for preventive care, you have flexible options that work for your budget and healthcare needs.

To learn more about Knew Health and becoming a self-pay patient within our caring Community, please visit our website or schedule a 1:1 call with us today. We're here to answer your questions and help you determine if Medical Cost Sharing is right for you and your family.