Polk County Health Department won’t bill private health insurance beginning Jan. 1

POLK COUNTY, Iowa — The Polk County Health Department will no longer bill private insurance or Medicare beginning on Jan. 1, requiring patients to pay out of pocket at the time of their visit.

The change comes as the department hopes to focus resources on serving those who are uninsured or underinsured. Patients with private insurance are encouraged to receive care from their primary care providers. 

There are a few exceptions to the new policy: The clinic will still accept Medicaid plans, excluding STI visits. 

The change will not affect the Vaccines for Children or Vaccines for Adults programs. In addition, STI testing and treatment will still cost $30, with or without insurance. 

Patients can request an itemized receipts if they want to submit a claim to their insurance provider on their own. 

The Polk County Health Department does provide a “hardship policy” and can work with patients to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to receiving care.

Anyone with questions on the new policy is asked to email the department at healthdept@polkcountyiowa.gov.