While I've found that most discount health
plans are legitimate, there are some that just don't deliver on
the promise.As the title
suggests, this article explains the good the bad and the ugly
sides of discount plans, along with a few tips on what to look
for when choosing a plan for yourself and your family.
Simply stated, a discount health plan
offers a discount on medical services from your physician.
And it works like this. You agree to pay
a monthly "membership fee" in return for a list of providers
(doctors, dentists,etc.) who provide their services to you at a
discounted rate. Depending on the medical procedure and the plan
you choose, you could expect to save from 250% to 40% off your
physician's normal fee.
Here's what you can expect from a
discount health plan...
- Affordability and Value
- If you can afford the price of a
cup of coffee a day, you can afford a discount plan. In
other words, you shouldn't pay more than $39 a month for a
discount plan that includes the whole family. That price
should include Dental, Vision, Pharmacy, Chiropractic,
Physican, Hospital Advocacy and Ancillary services.
- No Health Questions.
- Unlike health insurance
plans, all pre-existing (ongoing) health problems are
accepted with no physical exams and no health questions
asked. And there's no age limit.
- No Waiting Period. You don't
have to wait days or weeks before you're able to use the
plan. You can start using it the same day you sign up.
- Extras Included. The best
plan will include dental, vision and chiropractic--at no
extra cost.
- Includes Entire Household
Your entire household is included in discount health care
plans at no extra cost. That means everyone who dwells under
your roof--kinfolks or not.
- The BAD AND THE UGLY.
Actually, there's nothing inherently "bad or ugly" about
discount health plans, unless, of course, it fails to
deliver on its promises and turns out to be a scam.
Of course there is a "downside" to
discount plans.
You Have to Pay the Piper.
Always remember that discount plans are
not insurance. That means you are responsible for paying for all
procedures and services performed, but at a substantial
discount. In many cases, your provider (doctor, dentist) will
work with you on a monthly payment plan. But of course, you'll
have to work that out before services are performed.
Provider List Is Too Short
Some health plans have a short provider
list. Before you sign up for any discount plan, check their list
and make sure there is a sufficient number of providers in your
local area. You'll lose all your savings if you have to drive
across the country to find the nearest doctor. This one is a
drawback only if you choose the wrong company.
A Promise List That Doesn't Deliver
Some listed providers turn out not to be
providers at all. Again, check the list before you sign up with
any company and make sure the providers listed in your immediate
area are actually participating in the discount program.
Wolves in Sheep's Clothing?
Since there are no federal or state
regulatory agencies that oversee discount plan companies, it's
up to you to make sure you're dealing with a reputable company.
Again, there are scammers out there (for lack of a better word)
waiting to get their hands on your hard-earned money.
For more details and some straight talk
about discount health plans -- how to choose the right plan, how
to avoid being scammed and more, click on the link to our
website below.
