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…