Protection When the Unexpected Happens
Start Shield works alongside your Start Health plan to provide added financial protection when a serious accident, unexpected major illness, or catastrophic event leaves you with a large eligible balance after your Start Health benefits are paid.
How Start Shield Works
If you experience an eligible serious accident, unexpected major illness, or catastrophic event and have a balance remaining after your Start Health benefits are paid:
We Work to Lower Your Costs
Our team reviews the charges for accuracy and works directly with your provider to negotiate the remaining balance.
Your Member Commitment Applies
After your Start deductible is met and your Start Health benefits are paid, you are responsible for up to $5,000 in eligible remaining balance bills.
Start Shield Covers the Rest
Once your Member Commitment is met, Shield helps cover additional eligible remaining balance bills, up to $150,000 per eligible accident, illness, or catastrophic event.
Even More Protection at Preferred Providers
When you receive care at a preferred provider or facility, the $5,000 Member Commitment is waived and Shield helps cover the full eligible remaining balance bill, up to the applicable Shield limit.
Find a Preferred ProviderWhat Is Start Shield Designed For?
Shield provides added financial protection for unexpected accidents and catastrophic expenses.
Shield is not intended to replace your Start Health policy or provide additional benefits for routine healthcare, preventive care, or scheduled or elective services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Start Shield work with my Start Health policy?
Start Shield works alongside your Start Health policy. Your Start Health benefits are applied first.
If an eligible serious accident, unexpected major illness, or catastrophic event leaves you with a remaining balance, Start Shield can help address that balance according to the terms of your Shield coverage.
What is Start Shield designed for?
Start Shield provides added financial protection for unexpected accidents and catastrophic expenses. Examples include a heart attack, stroke, serious auto accident, emergency surgery, or major trauma.
Shield is not intended to replace your Start Health policy or provide additional benefits for routine healthcare, preventive care, or scheduled or elective services.
What is the $5,000 Member Commitment?
After your Start deductible is met and your Start Health benefits are paid, you are responsible for up to $5,000 in eligible remaining balance bills.
When you receive care at a preferred provider or facility, the $5,000 Member Commitment is waived and Shield helps cover the full eligible remaining balance bill, up to the applicable Shield limit.
How much can Start Shield help cover?
Once your Member Commitment is met, Start Shield helps cover additional eligible remaining balance bills, up to $150,000 per eligible accident, illness, or catastrophic event.
Who is eligible to enroll in Start Shield?
Members with an active eligible Start Health Base Policy may enroll in Start Shield at initial enrollment or during an eligible renewal period.
Start Shield cannot be added mid-year to an existing Base Policy.
How much does Start Shield cost?
Start Shield is available for an additional monthly amount on top of your Start Health base policy premium. Your specific Shield premium is provided during enrollment or renewal.
How do I qualify for Start Shield assistance?
Start Shield is intended for eligible serious accidents, unexpected major illnesses, and catastrophic events that result in a remaining balance after your Start Health benefits are paid.
If you receive an eligible remaining balance bill, contact the Start Support Team. We can review the charges, work with your provider when appropriate, and determine how your Start Shield coverage applies.
Questions About Start Shield?
Our Start Support Team is here to help.