Tuberculosis Insurance Billing
The Health Department is required by law to bill health insurance companies for tuberculosis (TB) services.
- If you have insurance, the Health Department will bill your insurance plan, but will not collect any payments or copayments from you.
- If you do not have health insurance, you will still get services. Everyone will receive services.
Why does the Health Department ask for my insurance information?
This is required by law. The Health Department will not collect any payments or copayments from you.
I do not have insurance. Can I still be seen?
Yes - You can still receive clinic services if you do not have insurance.
What if I did not bring my insurance card with me today?
The Health Department will give you a letter so that you can mail your insurance information after your visit.
I am covered under someone else's health insurance plan. Will the Health Department bill that person's insurance?
Yes. Please note: Many health insurance providers send an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the policy holder with details of the visit.
If you are concerned about the EOB being sent to the policy holder, you can contact your health insurance provider and ask for it to be sent to another address.
Will the Health Department send anything to my home, such as a bill, financial statement or receipt?
No. The Health Department will not send you any bills, financial statements or receipts.
Please note: Many health insurance providers send an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the policy holder with details of the visit.
If you are concerned about the EOB being sent to the policy holder, you can contact your health insurance provider and ask for it to be sent to another address.
Will the clinic keep my insurance information even after the bill is paid?
Yes. If your insurance has changed since your last visit, please tell clinic staff.
When my health insurance is billed, what information does the Health Department send with the bill?
The information on the bill includes the patient's name, address, date of birth, insurance ID, services given, service date and amount charged. The provider listed will be 'NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,' plus the clinic location (for example, 'Fort Greene Health Center').
My health insurance only covers in-network providers. Is the clinic an in-network provider for my insurance plan?
The clinic is in-network for some insurance plans. If your health insurance provider says the claim is out-of-network and denies it, the Health Department will cover the cost.
If my health insurance provider sends me a check for this visit, what should I do?
Please sign the back of the check and write 'Payable to NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene only' under your signature. Make a copy for your records. Submit this signed check along with your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to:
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Attn: Division of Finance
42-09 28th Street, CN 32W
Long Island City, NY 11101
Will this service be deducted from my yearly Medicaid allowance?
It may, depending on the services received. However, your primary health care provider will be notified during the eligibility process and can submit a Threshold Override Application (TOA), to increase the amount of services allowed.
Where can I find out if I am eligible for Medicaid or get health insurance coverage?
Some clinics have on-site enrollment counselors who can check if you qualify for public health insurance coverage (such as Medicaid or Medicare) and help you sign up. If you do not qualify for public health insurance coverage, you can apply for health insurance through the New York State Benefit Exchange website or by calling 311.
Do I need a referral from my primary care provider to receive services at this clinic?
No. You do not need a referral to receive services at any Health Department clinic.