Navigating health insurance can be a difficult and confusing task. Even for those who are knowledgeable about the subject, the language used in many policies can be vague and hard to understand. One type of health coverage offered by insurance providers is infertility insurance. This type of insurance is designed to help people finance their fertility treatments.
Depending on the state in which you live, mandatory infertility insurance may be available. To find out if your state is included in the list of mandatory states, contact your state's insurance commissioner. At Neighborhood Health, we provide care for homeless patients at our 12 locations. We also have two clinics (Downtown and Mission) that specialize in services for the homeless. If you need to get tested for STDs or receive treatment that isn't covered by your health insurance, or if you don't have health insurance, call your local Planned Parenthood health center to see if they can help you get free or low-cost care.
Some religious organizations may refuse to cover contraceptive methods in their health insurance plans for their employees. Many private health insurance plans cover abortion, but some choose not to or are not allowed in certain states. Neighborhood Health offers many ways to protect your sexual health and take care of yourself. VIVID Health promotes the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of adults of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you need birth control that isn't covered by your health insurance, or if you don't have health insurance, call your local Planned Parenthood health center to see if they have any programs that can help you get free or low-cost birth control.
Most health insurance plans also cover other preventive care services, such as vaccines, cholesterol tests, blood pressure tests, and certain mental health tests. Neighborhood Health has patient guides that provide free in-person help to enroll in health insurance programs. Most health insurance plans should cover preventive health care for free without copays, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket costs, even if you haven't met your deductible. You can also get free or low-cost STD testing at your local health department, family planning clinics, or community health centers.
