Changes to Lab billings at Telekind
As of January 1, 2024, patients with health insurance will be required to use their insurance plans to cover their lab work at Kind Clinic or TeleKind.
But don’t worry, if you’re uninsured, underinsured, have limited funds, or simply cannot afford the cost of labs, our Kind Patient Assistance Program (KPAP) is here for you.
Patients with insurance
Under the Affordable Care Act, most healthcare plans must cover costs of labs for preventive care — like lab testing for PrEP or HIV care — at no cost to you. There may be co-pays or some patient financial responsibility, similar to using your health insurance for a prescription. KPAP can offer support if you receive a bill from one of our lab partners that you cannot pay in full.
Patients without insurance
KPAP will cover the costs of your lab work. If you would like to enroll in a health insurance plan, please contact your Patient Advocate or Care Navigator for more information and options you may have.
Starting January 1, 2024, patients with health insurance must use their insurance to cover lab work at Kind Clinic or TeleKind. This change is due to the sustainability of our services and the Affordable Care Act requirements for preventive care lab coverage.
The Kind Patient Assistance Program ensures patients receive the healthcare and medications they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Patients can receive support for medications, co-pays, lab costs, transportation assistance and more.
Insurance coverage varies. Most plans must cover preventive care labs — like lab testing for PrEP or HIV care — under the Affordable Care Act, but not all labs are guaranteed. Contact your insurance company for details on coverage. Scroll below for a resource on how to contact your insurance company.
Our Kind Patient Assistance Program (KPAP) can help if you can’t use insurance due to privacy concerns. Patients in such situations won’t receive bills from our lab partners. Contact your Patient Advocate or Care Navigator or call us for more information.
If you’re uninsured or can’t afford lab costs, our KPAP can provide support to cover the cost of our lab work. Patients in these situations won’t receive bills from our lab partners. Contact your Patient Advocate or Care Navigator for details.
You’ll receive a bill from our lab partners by mail or email. You’ll also receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier, explaining what’s covered and any amount you owe.
If you can’t pay your lab bill in full, our KPAP can offer support. Contact your Patient Advocate or Care Navigator to see if you qualify. We will not deny you care based on any balances you may have for lab work. You can continue to receive care at Kind Clinic and TeleKind.
Yes! Kind Clinic can help you sign up for health insurance during open enrollment period. Open enrollment for healthcare care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace starts November 1, 2023, until January 15, 2024.
To get started please visit www.kindclinic.org/getinsurance or www.mytelekind.org/getinsurance
Check Your Policy: Review your insurance policy for lab cost details like deductibles and coverage limits.
Find Contact Info: Look on your insurance card or policy documents for contact info, such as phone numbers, emails, or websites.
Prepare Information: Gather your policy number and personal details
Contact Customer Service:
- Phone: Call and expect an automated system before speaking to a rep.
- Online Portal: Use the insurer’s portal if available.
- Email: Send all necessary info to the billing department.
Ask Questions: Inquire about lab costs for your specific care, like PrEP, HIV care, or gender care. You can ask the following based on the care you’re receiving:
- I’m on PrEP for HIV prevention, will you cover my required work?
- I am living with HIV and receive HIV care, will you cover my required work?
- I receive gender care and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), will you cover my required work?
Take Notes: Record rep’s name, contact, and reference number for future reference.
Review and Verify: Carefully review gathered info to understand your coverage and costs.
Follow Up: If more questions arise, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company.
