Using a Cash Pay Card (Cash Card): What Members Need to Know

Using a Cash Pay Card (Cash Card): What Members Need to Know

A Cash Pay Card is a digital credit card that allows your healthcare provider to be paid upfront using funds from your health plan. This approach often unlocks lower, negotiated prices and typically results in $0 out-of-pocket cost to you for eligible services.

What a Cash Pay Card Is Used For

Cash Pay Cards are used in specific situations where paying cash at the time of service can substantially reduce the total cost of care. These situations are usually identified and approved by your nurse navigator.

How You Receive a Cash Pay Card

Once approved, the Cash Pay Card is created by the care team and delivered securely—usually by text or email. In some cases, the provider may receive the card details directly.

What to Tell the Provider

When using a Cash Pay Card:

• Do not present your insurance ID card.
• Tell the provider you are choosing to be treated as a cash-pay patient for this service.
• The provider should run the card like a standard credit card and not bill insurance.

Uploading Receipts (Required)

Receipts are required for every Cash Pay Card transaction.

How to upload:

• Use the upload link sent to you via text or email. That link will take you directly to the portal to upload the receipt.
• If you did not receive a link, log in to the portal, find the claim, and upload the receipt under the Receipts tab.

If the provider can’t give an itemized receipt immediately:

• Upload the credit card receipt first.
• Upload the itemized receipt later once it’s available.

Failure to upload receipts may limit your ability to receive Cash Pay Cards in the future.

Unauthorized Use

Cash Pay Cards are approved for specific services only. If a card is used for something unauthorized, the charge may be reversed or recovered (for example, through payroll deduction).

Age Rules

• Cards can be used for covered members.
• A card cannot be issued in the name of anyone under age 14.
• For dependents under 14, the card will be issued in the name of the subscriber, spouse, or another responsible adult on the plan.

Key Takeaway

Cash Pay Cards are a powerful tool to reduce healthcare costs by paying providers directly at the time of service. Follow the instructions carefully—especially around not showing your insurance card and uploading receipts—to ensure everything processes smoothly.