Changes to CWHC's Payment Policies
September 20, 2011
CWHC does not accept private insurance or Medicaid for gynecological services.
Two of CWHC’s most important values are accessible health care for all and being open and clear with our community. While the majority of our clients pay for their services at CWHC on their own, the Gynecology Program has also billed private insurance and Medicaid for clients enrolled in those programs. Private insurance and Medicaid have changed a great deal over the past several years and, as a result, as of October 1, 2011, CWHC no longer accepts either as forms of payment for gynecology services.
Working free of third party billing entities enables us to best provide the personal, high-quality care you have come to expect from CWHC. As always, our sliding scale and flexible payment plans are available to all, regardless of household income and insurance status. As client participation and education is part of our model of care, if you’d like to speak with someone from CWHC’s billing department, please call 773-935-6126 x228.
Private Insurance
Over the years, insurance billing has evolved from a fairly straightforward and simple process to one that is incredibly complicated. From waiting on hold for an insurance representative to answer coverage questions to resubmitting claims because of changes in billing codes, the time it takes for us to process a single insurance claim has increased tenfold.
In observing recent changes in insurance billing procedures and in anticipation of additional changes with health care reform, CWHC is currently reassessing our participation in insurance plans. From October 1, 2011, until further notice, CWHC will not be billing any insurance plans.
Public Aid
It recently came to our attention that the Illinois Healthy Women Card (the Pink Card) has not been covering service fees. This leads to unexpected costs for some of our clients. This system is not in line with our dedication to providing low-cost services. This system compromises our ability to continue to provide health care for all of our clients.
As a result, as of September 1, 2011, CWHC no longer accepts Medicaid, including the Illinois Healthy Women Card. This is not meant to create barriers to your coming to CWHC for your health care needs. We will continue providing care to all, regardless of ability to pay.
Payment Options for Clients with Insurance or Public Aid
Our clients’ care is very important to us. If you have private insurance, Medicaid, or the Illinois Healthy Women Card, we will continue to welcome you to CWHC and will offer you the same payment options we offer clients without insurance, such as our sliding scale fees and client payment agreements for paying in increments. If you use insurance, Medicaid, or the Illinois Healthy Women Card for prescriptions like birth control pills, you can continue to use them for the same discounted or no-cost rate you receive now.
Because your health is our priority and there are other providers that accept insurance, Medicaid, and the Illinois Healthy Women Card, we understand that you may choose another provider for gynecological care. Please, know that this has not been an easy decision for us, but we feel it is the right and necessary one in order to prioritize your health care. We deeply value our clients and apologize for any inconvenience this change has cause or may cause you.