Healthcare when you work for yourself in Cincinnati

Start with the care you need

SakeOf gives members a more direct way to approach healthcare: start with the kind of help you need, use the membership options that fit, and choose a local provider when hands-on care is appropriate. Its model combines direct-service options with help understanding medical bills and working through eligible larger expenses.

For a new, non-emergency concern, consider whether an active telemedicine option is an appropriate first step. For ongoing care, a selected Virtual Primary Care option can provide a dedicated physician relationship with virtual follow-up. If you need an exam, test, procedure, or specialist, plan for in-person care and confirm details with the provider.

For an emergency, seek emergency care. A routine membership workflow or virtual visit is not the route for an emergency.

Use everyday care options when selected

Zero Copay Telemedicine is an optional feature. When selected and active, it provides access to telemedicine through the current service partner at zero dollars for that access. Whether a particular concern can be handled remotely depends on the service and clinical circumstances; an in-person visit or additional services may still be needed.

Rx and Prescription Benefits is another optional feature. If you are prescribed medication, check whether the feature is active and how it applies before relying on it. A prescription benefit does not mean every medication is included; medication costs, including non-formulary medications, can remain separate.

Mental Health and Counseling, when selected and active, includes unlimited on-demand telephone counseling at zero dollars for the included access, with 24/7 access to master's-level counseling professionals. Up to three face-to-face counseling consultations per incident may be arranged when available through the program. If you need a higher level of behavioral-health care, counseling can help with support and referral; psychiatry, inpatient care, and emergency psychiatric care are not automatically included.

Virtual Primary Care is available as a selected feature with a monthly adjustment of $15. When active with its required bundled features, it includes zero-dollar virtual primary-care access, an annual virtual wellness visit, and ongoing follow-up, including chronic-care and medication-management support when clinically appropriate for virtual care. Its prerequisites are active Rx and Prescription Benefits, Zero Copay Telemedicine, and Mental Health and Counseling.

Choose local in-person care and confirm the details

For medical or dental care in Cincinnati, the City of Cincinnati Health Department lists community health centers and appointment information at 513-357-7320. Ask which center offers the service you need, whether appointments are available, and what arrangements or charges apply; the city listing is a starting point, not a confirmed appointment.

UC Health and TriHealth list hospital and other care locations in Cincinnati. For a scheduled visit, test, imaging service, specialist, or hospital care, contact the specific provider to confirm the service, appointment access, participation in any applicable plan, and expected charges. Labs, imaging, specialist visits, in-person follow-up, and other services may involve separate expenses.

Hamilton County Public Health’s clinical-services clinic is at 5050 Section Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45212, and lists STI/HIV testing and treatment, tuberculosis services, and support for eligible families through Children with Medical Handicaps. Call 513-946-7610 to check current services, arrangements, and any fees. This county clinic is a specific access point; its listing does not establish that a service is available at a particular time or that an individual qualifies.

For a hospital estimate, contact the hospital about the specific service and ask how the estimate relates to your circumstances. TriHealth also lists financial-assistance applications and financial-counseling contacts; contact TriHealth to confirm current requirements and eligibility.

Get help when a bill is hard to understand

When a bill arrives, keep the itemized version and check that it identifies the service dates, provider, and billing details. SakeOf’s Full Service advocacy can help with bill verification, fair-price review, and negotiation support. These services are subject to program rules and do not guarantee a particular bill outcome.

For submissions, an itemized bill is required and should include service dates, CPT or HCPCS codes when available, and provider information. SakeOf may request medical records, clinical notes, diagnosis or procedure details, billing records, provider documentation, or a signed release to review eligibility, medical necessity, and fair pricing. Submit complete documents within six months of the service date; submit balance bills, denials, or payment demands within 10 days of receiving them.

Plan for larger eligible medical events

For a planned higher-cost service, contact SakeOf in advance when reasonably possible. This gives you a chance to understand the process, organize provider and billing details, and ask what program rules apply before care. Keep your membership active, maintain a valid payment method, and be prepared to fund required asks and pay any applicable member commitment.

For larger eligible events, voluntary community funding may be part of the program process, subject to eligibility, documentation, and program rules. It is not a guaranteed amount or outcome. Before scheduled care, ask the provider for expected charges and ask SakeOf what information and steps apply to your situation.

Choose other options for your household

Depending on what you need, membership options also include maternity care, chiropractic and acupuncture, physical and occupational therapy, and durable medical equipment. Each is an optional feature; its services or eligibility apply only when selected, active, eligible, and otherwise subject to program rules.

Dental and vision discounts are also available as an optional feature. Members pay participating providers directly at applicable discounted rates; discounts vary and are not guaranteed at every provider. Ask the provider whether it participates and what you will pay before scheduling.

Take your next step in Cincinnati

• Compare your options: Use the SakeOf calculator and Savings Guide to explore membership choices and features.
• Find a provider: Use provider search, then call the provider to verify current services, appointments, participation, and charges.
• Ask for help: Use Jordan to talk through a care situation or what to check before a planned service.
• Check local access: Call Cincinnati Health Department Primary Care at 513-357-7320, or Hamilton County Public Health at 513-946-7610 for its listed clinical services.
• Review membership options: Check which features are selected, active, and compatible with the services you plan to use.