Articles · Billing

You should never see a bill. Here is how the money actually moves.

Under the White Card, the money moves between your agency and the Department of Labor — never through you. Understanding that flow is the best protection you have, because it tells you exactly which questions keep everyone honest.

Reviewed by Alara’s Director of Nursing, RN · July 2026

How it works.

  1. Your care is authorized by the DOL for your accepted conditions.
  2. The agency delivers care and documents each visit at the time of care.
  3. The agency bills the DOL through its medical billing system, administered by Acentra.
  4. The DOL pays the agency directly. You never receive a bill — no copays, no deductibles, no cost to you.

What honest billing looks like.

  • Every visit billed is a visit that happened, documented when it happened.
  • The hours billed match the hours worked.
  • The agency will show you what it bills under your card, without hesitation.

Why say this out loud? Because federal False Claims Act settlements in this field have involved allegations of billing for visits that did not happen and inflated hours. Our standard is in writing: how we bill → — and you can verify anything billed under your card with Acentra directly at (800) 736-6001.

Common questions.

How do I check what has been billed under my card?

Call the DOL’s billing administrator, Acentra, at (800) 736-6001. You are entitled to ask, and a good agency will encourage it.

What if I get a bill anyway?

For covered care on an accepted condition, you should not. Bring it to your agency and the Resource Center — misrouted billing is usually fixable.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, DEEOIC. Settlement references: U.S. Department of Justice (2023); allegations resolved by settlement without a determination of liability.

Want billing you can see?

Our standard is in writing, and we will walk you through anything billed under your card.

Read how we bill Or call (702) 814-9630
Alara helps you understand and reach benefits you may already be entitled to. It does not replace the Department of Labor, your Resource Center, your physician, or any federal agency. Nothing here is legal advice or a coverage or eligibility determination.