Paying For Your Care

Paying for Your Care

NEMS can help you find the coverage that’s right for you.

Doctor discussing fees with patient

Fees & Charges

Each time you see a provider, you will be assessed a charge. Charges may vary from visit to visit depending on:

  • How complicated your health problem is
  • If you see a NEMS specialist
  • If you receive additional services, such as an office procedure

NEMS is not a free clinic. We are required by law to collect any fees for services rendered to you and which are not covered by your insurance plan or health coverage.

Medical staff

Coverage

If you have health insurance

NEMS accepts many forms of health and dental insurance plans, including private insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal and Healthy Kids. For a complete listing of current insurances and programs accepted, please contact the Member Services Department. You can also learn more about different insurances and health programs in our Guide to Health Programs.

Please tell us your insurance coverage at each visit so that we can verify that your insurance will cover your NEMS services.

You will be responsible for deductibles or copayments as required by your insurance plan.

If you do not have health insurance

If you have no health insurance coverage, or receive services that are not covered by your insurance plan, you will be charged according to a sliding fee scale or up to the full cost of services in accordance with our Sliding Fee Discount Program. It is important to renew your sliding fee discount level every year; if your discount level has expired, you will be charged the full cost for services. The NEMS Member Services Department can help you determine your discount level based on your financial documentation.

Please scroll down to the next section to learn more about our Sliding Fee Discount Program.

Stacking coins

Sliding Fee Discount Program

For persons without insurance, whose insurance does not cover certain services provided at NEMS, or those who have high insurance co-pays, you may be eligible for sliding fee discounts if you meet federal income guidelines. Eligibility is based on income and family size. You must re-enroll in the program each year.

Reminders

To determine your sliding fee discount level, you must provide proof of income. If you choose not to bring proof, you will be charged the full cost for services.

ALL income documents that exist for any member of the applicant’s household must be provided, including:

  • Current pay stub
  • Current federal tax return
  • Signed statement from employer
  • Bank statement / bank book (showing direct deposit)
  • Unemployment benefits statement
  • Worker’s compensation statement
  • Copy of award or benefit letter from the government (e.g, Employment Development Department, Social Security Administration, etc.)

Note: A parent or legal guardian must accompany adolescents under 18 years of age, unless confidential services are requested.

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Shaking hands

Enrollment Assistance

NEMS can assist you in registering as a member and enrolling in coverage that’s right for you.

Patient Registration

The Member Services Department is here to answer any questions you may have. We will assist you in patient registration and membership renewals.

The Member Services staff will also assist you in selecting a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP may be an Internist, Family Practitioner, Pediatrician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. This provider will manage all your health care needs and refer you to specialty care if necessary. Member Services staff can also assist with selecting a Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Obstetricians and/or Gynecologist.

Health Programs Enrollment

Member Services staff can assist with enrollment into specially funded health programs if you meet the eligibility requirements. We can also enroll you into Medi-Cal, health insurance through the Covered California health benefit exchange, Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP), SF Healthy Kids Program, Healthy San Francisco (for San Francisco residents only), Primary Care Access Program (for Santa Clara residents only), or CalFresh Programs. We also provide renewal assistance for all the programs listed above.

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