CSH FAQ

What is the spirit of the Community Supported Healthcare Plan?

This plan was designed to make Dr. Cowan’s services affordable to everyone.  The support comes from you, the community, by contributing as much as you can afford.  Those that can pay more than the suggested rate can feel good that they are helping someone who can’t pay as much.  This is Rudolf Steiner’s idea of “real economy”.  You can read more about this in the introduction to the CSH.  We are happy to provide this to patients and appreciate everyone’s participation.

I don’t live in the area. Can I still join?

Yes!  The CSH plan is available to everyone whether you are a local patient who comes to the office, or a long distance patient who only does phone consultations.

What does the CSH cost?

After the initial cost of $250 per adult and $200 per child, the suggested monthly rate is $75 per adult.  Children are free if an adult is on the plan. All family members will need to pay the initial rate. You can pay whatever you wish between  $50 and $100, however,  please contribute at the maximum your income will allow so we can keep the plan going.  After 6 months, you may reduce your rate to $35-$75 if needed. For established patients, you pay your decided amount as your next appointment charge to initiate the plan, then the same rate starting the 1st to begin monthly.

What does the CSH cover?

The Community Supported Healthcare Plan covers all in person and phone consultations with Dr. Cowan and a Food Consultant as well as email.  It does not include medicines or supplements, however we have started a Medicine Support Fund for seriously ill patients in the community if you would like to set this up as part of your monthly contribution.

Why do I have to have two credit or debit cards to sign up?

In order to make the plan easy to manage, we require a credit or debit card plus a back-up card in case the first one fails.  We also can accept full payment up front.

Is this a payment plan?

The CSH is more like an insurance plan.  Some months you may need much diet or doctor’s help, and some not at all.  The plan assures you that you can get all the care you need when you need it.

Can I adjust my amount if I need to pay less or can pay more at a later date?

You can always adjust your monthly rate if you need to reduce it during hard times,  or when you feel like you can contribute more.

How do I decide if it is best for me?

The CSH plan is best for people who who have chronic or serious illness, want to be long-standing patients, and families.  If you do not intend on seeing Dr. Cowan for long, or if your insurance give good coverage, the pay-as-you-go rate would probably meet your needs best.  If you still have trouble deciding,  you can us know immediately after your appointment what your choice is. However this has to be done before we run your card, since we do not do retroactive billing with the CSH.

What happens if I need to cancel before my 6 months is up?

The fee for canceling mid-way is $175.  There is no fee to cancel after the 6-month commitment.

If I cancel, can I restart later?

You are welcome to cancel and restart at anytime, however there is a $175 restart fee.  You may choose to lower your monthly rate instead of canceling to avoid this charge.

When does the monthly charge happen and when does my plan expire?

We will run your card the 1st of every month.  Although you commitment ends after 6 payments from the 1st of the month following your initial visit, you will need to call to cancel before it automatically renews.

My CSH plan expired. Why am I still be charged?

Your plan automatically renews after your 6-month commitment has been fulfilled.  If you need to cancel, please let us know a month before your plan expires since we can’t do refunds on the plan.

How do I sign up for the plan?

Please fill out this form and send it to us by email or fax.  You can also fill one out at the office if you are coming in.