Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is the Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

The [Curative Cash Card](https://curative.com/cash-card) helps you access $0 care, even when your Member ID Card can’t be used. It’s designed for providers who accept cash payment instead of billing insurance. Use at providers marked as Cash Card on the provider search, or if the provider is on the provider search and won’t take your Curative Member ID Card. You pay nothing—Curative covers the cost directly.

Question 2

Why is it called the Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

We changed the name from “Zero Card” to “Cash Card” to make it clearer and easier to use. It reflects how the card works—covering the cash-pay price at certain providers, so you don’t have to.

Question 3

How do I get my Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

The [Curative Cash Card](https://curative.com/zero-card) will be mailed to all members aged 18 and over who are enrolled in the Curative Health Plan at the start of the plan year. Accessing your card is as easy as logging into your [Member Portal](https://health.curative.com). You can also download your card and add it to your digital wallet:

__For Google Pay:__
1. Open the Google Pay app.
2. Tap "Add to Wallet" at the bottom.
3. Select "Payment card."
4. Tap "New credit or debit card."
5. Tap "Save" at the bottom.
6. Read the Issuer Terms and tap "Accept."
7. If prompted to verify your payment method, choose an option from the list.

__For Apple Wallet:__
1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID if required.
3. Tap the "+" sign and choose "Debit or Credit Card."
4. Enter card details manually or position your physical card in the frame to scan.

Question 4

When should I use my Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

Use your [Curative Cash Card](https://curative.com/cash-card) in two situations:

- When a provider shows as “Cash Card” in our [Provider Search](https://curative.com/providers). 
- When an in-network provider on the Provider Search doesn’t accept your Curative Member ID Card or tries to charge a copay.

Question 5

Who is eligible to use the Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

In the first 120 days, the [Curative Cash Card](https://curative.com/cash-card) is made available to all members 18 and over. For the remainder of the year, the Curative Cash Card is only available to members 18 and over who have completed their [Baseline Visit](https://curative.com/baseline). Cardholders can use it for themselves or their covered dependent(s).

Question 6

Why does Curative have two different cards for members?

Accepted Answer

Our dual-card system allows more provider choice and less friction with no out-of-pocket costs for members who complete a Baseline Visit within the first 120 days. Providers will either bill through an insurance claim or take self pay at the point of service. Either way, members pay $0 copays, $0 deductibles and Curative foots the bill. 
- __The Curative Member ID Card__ is the traditional route – providers bill through claims and Curative pays those claims.
- __The Curative Cash Card__ is on-the-spot payment – it allows members to see providers that don’t take the Member ID Card for any reason. Some providers may not take insurance at all, like many mental health providers, or they may not recognize Curative as contracted but do appear in the provider search. Some providers are designated as Curative Cash Card only and you should show the Curative Cash Card first.

Question 7

Are the cardholders responsible for any expenses? Does it impact credit?

Accepted Answer

Members will not owe anything as long as the provider is Curative Cash Card approved, as designated in Curative's [provider search](https://curative.com/providers), and it is used for a covered service. Curative pays for all approved charges and member credit is not impacted.

Question 8

What services does the Curative Cash Card cover? Does it include prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

We recently made some improvements to the Curative Cash Card.

__What’s new:__
- Members can now use the Curative Cash Card for inpatient and outpatient hospital services at most hospitals
- No prior authorization is required for these services when using the Curative Cash Card.
- This applies to all members, regardless of their benefit plan—EPO and PPO included.

__How it works:__
- Members present their Curative Cash Card at check-in and state they are paying cash.
- Curative covers the cost directly; members pay $0 out of pocket.
- Our Member Services team is standing by to support members with any access issues.

__Eligible services with the Curative Cash Card include:__
- Office visits
- Urgent care
- Behavioral health
- Outpatient hospital services (like imaging or procedures)
- Inpatient hospital services (like surgeries and medical monitoring)

Question 9

Why do you guarantee your provider search?

Accepted Answer

Provider searches are often inaccurate across the healthcare industry, but we believe members shouldn’t be penalized.

EPO, PPO, and PPO Max members: If a provider is listed in Curative’s Provider Search and you receive a covered service (with prior authorization if required), Curative guarantees $0 out-of-pocket costs—provided you’ve completed your Baseline Visit within the first 120 days of coverage.

EPO Value members: The Provider Search is informational only. You can always view our full in‑network directory on our provider search tool, but EPO Value covers $0 care only with providers selected through your Curative Pass.

*Reminder: Nominating a provider for the Curative Cash Card does not automatically guarantee their acceptance. All nominations must go through Curative’s contracting and credentialing process.

Question 10

What if I have a favorite doctor and don’t see them in the provider search?

Accepted Answer

Members can easily nominate providers for the [Curative Cash Card](https://curative.com/cash-card). All they need to do is fill out a quick form at [cur.tv/nominate](http://cur.tv/nominate). Members will hear back within five business days, and, if approved, can see that provider immediately using the Curative Cash Card. Curative will then consider adding that provider to the network, which can take much longer.

Question 11

What are the criteria for the Curative Cash Card approved providers? How is that different from an in-network or out-of-network provider?

Accepted Answer

An out-of-network provider [can be nominated](https://form.typeform.com/to/NWyaOFHz) to become a Curative Cash Card-approved provider. Our team will review for quality and cost measures before approving. Out-of-network providers do not undergo any review process by Curative. On the other side of the spectrum, in-network providers are contracted through Curative or the rented First Health network for specific rates, quality guidelines, and to request certain practices for improved care coordination.

Question 12

What do providers think of the Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

Many providers accept self pay as an option and appreciate the ease and ability to get paid on the spot instead of dealing with insurance billing. The cash price is set by the provider.

Question 13

Will cardholders receive receipts or records of visits charged to their Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will provide a statement much like a standard Explanation of Benefit.

Question 14

What billing address should I use for the Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

Please use your personal address associated with your health plan account. If you've made any updates to your address, make sure to reach out to Member Services.

Question 15

Does anything change with the new Curative Cash Card name?

Accepted Answer

All current benefits stay the same, with expanded access to hospital systems and less hassle with no prior authorization required for most services. If you currently have a “Curative Zero Card” no need to replace.

Question 16

Why am I still seeing “Zero Card” in some materials?

Accepted Answer

We’re updating our systems and documents. You may still see “Zero Card” during this transition, but it refers to the same program and benefits.

Question 17

I have a Curative Zero Card. Do I need to get a new Curative Cash Card now that the name has changed?

Accepted Answer

No. Your existing card still works exactly the same.

Question 18

Can I suggest a provider to be added to the Curative Cash Card approved list?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you have a provider who doesn’t currently accept the Curative Cash Card, you can [nominate them](https://form.typeform.com/to/NWyaOFHz). Note: not available to EPO Value members.

Question 19

Why is the Curative Cash Card needed at some hospitals that previously took the Curative Member ID Card?

Accepted Answer

These hospitals are currently not part of our traditional in-network contracts. But with your Curative Cash Card, you can still receive $0 care there, without delays or extra paperwork. Just present your card at check-in and let them know you’ll be paying the cash price.

Question 20

Can I use Curative Cash Card for prescriptions or labs?

Accepted Answer

No. The Curative Cash Card can’t be used for prescriptions or labs. Your Curative Member ID Card is still needed for those.

Question 21

Do I still need prior authorizations when using Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, when you use the Curative Cash Card at approved hospital providers, you do not need to go through prior authorization. This makes care faster and more convenient.

Question 22

Can I now use the Curative Cash Card at hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The [Curative Cash Card](https://curative.com/cash-card) is now accepted at most hospitals for eligible inpatient and outpatient services. Even better—many of these visits skip prior authorization, helping you get care faster and with fewer hoops to jump through.

Question 23

What kinds of care can I use the Curative Cash Card for?

Accepted Answer

You can use the [Curative Cash Card](https://curative.com/cash-card) for:

- Primary care and office visits
- Urgent care
- Behavioral health
- Many inpatient and outpatient hospital services (new!)

Question 24

Why was the Curative Cash Card expanded to include certain hospitals?

Accepted Answer

These systems are currently out of network in our traditional contracts due to unreasonably high pricing. However, we understand the importance of continuity of care. The Curative Cash Card allows members to continue receiving care at these facilities for $0 out of pocket—while Curative continues to negotiate fair and mutually beneficial contract agreements.

Question 25

Do members still receive $0 care at these hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members can receive $0 care for inpatient and outpatient services at these hospitals when using the Curative Cash Card. There is no change to member out-of-pocket responsibility regardless of plan type, EPO, or PPO.

Question 26

Which plan types are available for the Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

The Curative Cash Card is available to all plan types, including EPO and PPO. The only exception is that EPO Value members cannot nominate new Cash Card providers at this time and must get a Curative Pass.

Question 27

Does the Curative Cash Card affect billing or claims administration for employers?

Accepted Answer

No. The Curative Cash Card is processed through a separate workflow where Curative pays providers directly. This avoids claim delays and helps members receive care even when a provider doesn’t bill traditional insurance.

Question 28

What should we tell employees if they’re confused about the name change or usage for the Curative Cash Card?

Accepted Answer

Let them know the Curative Zero Card is now called the Curative Cash Card— new name, better benefits. They can continue using their existing card and access care as before. Learn more [here](https://curative.com/cash-card).

Question 29

What makes Curative’s Cash Card solution unique?

Accepted Answer

Curative is one of the only health plans with a built-in solution to maintain uninterrupted access to care during provider contract disruptions. The Cash Card eliminates financial burden for members while keeping employers insulated from excessive provider rates.

Curative Cash Card frequently asked questions

General Curative Cash Card questions

Curative Cash Card updates for members

Curative Cash Card updates for brokers and employers