Dermatology Clinical Trial: Do I Need Insurance to Participate?

Dermatology Clinical Trial: Do I Need Insurance to Participate?

At Skin Care Research, we’re dedicated to supporting the development of new medications, treatments, and technologies to serve patients better worldwide. Dermatology Clinical trials in Hollywood, FL, and our partner clinics in Texas and California play an integral role in our mission. To help you make an informed decision about participating in a clinical trial, we’re answering some of our most commonly asked questions.

Can I Participate in a Clinical Trial Without Health Insurance?

Yes, you can participate in a clinical trial even if you don’t have health insurance. For some trials, your treatment may be free or low-cost — even if you do not have health insurance. If you have concerns about treatment-related costs and you don’t have health insurance, contact our center to learn about associated costs before you enroll.

It’s also important to be aware of other costs associated with a clinical trial that aren’t directly related to treatment. For example, you are responsible for providing transportation for yourself to and from any clinical trial appointments. Skin Care Research clinical trials are outpatient-only, so there is no facility for overnight stays. If you choose to book a hotel room or rent an Airbnb to be closer to your clinical trial site, these voluntary costs are your responsibility, reimbursement is not available.

Does Health Insurance Cover Clinical Trials?

Health insurance coverage for dermatology clinical trials depends on a few factors:

Insurance type: some insurance types, such as government-funded health insurance through Medicaid or Medicare, have strict guidelines for the type of services they cover. While some clinical trials may qualify, it’s important to understand the terms of your policy and check with your provider before signing up. 

Length of the study: if your insurance does approve coverage for a clinical trial, they may have limitations on the timeframe they’re willing to cover for treatment. You may be financially responsible for additional costs if your elected trial exceeds those limits. 

Type of clinical trial: some insurance companies will only cover treatment associated with certain types of clinical trials. Studies that are in earlier stages of research or that involve specific types of medications or technologies may be denied. 

At Skin Care Research, your safety and comfort are our top priority. Our clinical research sites located in Florida, Texas, and California conduct Phase I-IV trials with experienced and board-certified investigators. You can take comfort in knowing that we are committed to ensuring that all clinical guidelines are met and that the rights of every patient are always protected.

Will I Get Paid for Participating in a Clinical Trial?

In some cases, clinical trials offer participants compensation for their time and to help offset non-treatment-related costs. Typically, any money for a paid clinical trial is granted in a lump sum following the successful completion of the study. Dermatology clinical trials through Skin Care Research do not offer daily, weekly, or monthly payments and are not considered a form of employment.

During your initial screening to determine if you qualify to participate in a clinical trial in Hollywood or at one of our partner clinics, we will discuss the terms of the study including anticipated length, participant responsibilities and requirements, and any potential for compensation. While an exact monetary amount cannot be disclosed, be sure to ask any other questions you may have to decide if a clinical trial is right for you.

If you are interested in being a clinical trial participant, check out our currently enrolling trials!