Notice: Patient Fee Changes

Published: 03-29-2023 | 1 MIN READ | Author: Prism Health North Texas

Prism Health North Texas provides high-quality health care for those who need it the most and has done so for over 37 years. We have been very successful at expanding much needed services such as sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, HIV prevention, and Transgender health care, all at little or no cost.

Healthcare costs continue to rise and program funding is decreasing. Rather than eliminating important health services, we must increase our fees charged to patients. A sliding fee scale will be used so that charges will be discounted based on an individual’s household income.

While patients will be asked to pay these fees at the time of their visit, no patient will be turned away based on an inability to pay.

 

What are the changes?

 

Starting April 1, 2023, all locations will no longer offer reduced rates for services, unless a patient provides documentation of household income. All services, including those utilizing grant funds for support, will have a charge, with the only exception being patients living below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and utilizing Ryan White funding. When available, insurance plans will be billed, and all co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance will be expected to be paid at the time of visit. Unless the patient opts out of using insurance and elects to self-pay, insurance will be billed for all services.

Also, effective April 1, 2023, the pharmacy will no longer offer co-pay and co-insurance discounts paid by PHNTX for prescriptions. Other patient assistance programs are available to cover some of these costs.

For people with no health insurance, there are several options:

  • Get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. PHNTX has certified marketplace navigators to locate affordable health insurance.
  • Flexible payment plans.
  • Utilize the sliding fee rates.

PHNTX has eligibility specialists available at every health center location to help find the best solution to make health care as affordable as possible. Appointments with an eligibility specialist can be made by calling 214-521-5191.

All patients with an upcoming appointment will be contacted before their visit to discuss payment options and notify them about these changes.

We strive to remove barriers preventing individuals from accessing quality healthcare. While we must make these necessary changes to our services and payment options, we will continue our commitment to finding solutions to ensure healthcare remains affordable.

For more detailed information on patient cost, health insurance, and financial aid, please click here to view the Your Cost webpage →

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Author: Prism Health North Texas

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