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About Non-Insurance Health Care Discount Plans

Guest post by: John Clark

Article Overview: As the debate on what is required of the new American healthcare system rages on, those most affected by health care reform have become new targets for insurance scams aimed at the unemployed, uninsured and those who have been previously rejected by health insurance companies. These so-called discount healthcare plans offer health insurance policies to individuals who are hit hardest by the lack of health insurance, or the inability to afford insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Sadly, most individuals are unaware they have been duped until they attempt to use the service to pay for their medical examine and have already paid into the faulty insurance system.

About Non-Insurance Health Care Discount Plans

As the debate on what is required of the new American healthcare system rages on, those most affected by health care reform have become new targets for insurance scams aimed at the unemployed, uninsured and those who have been previously rejected by health insurance companies. These so-called discount healthcare plans offer health insurance policies to individuals who are hit hardest by the lack of health insurance, or the inability to afford insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Sadly, most individuals are unaware they have been duped until they attempt to use the service to pay for their medical examine and have already paid into the faulty insurance system. While the current overhaul on healthcare reform has led to changes and improvements in insurance coverage for the uninsured, be wary of schemes meant to lure you in with lofty promises. In many cases, if it sounds too promising, it probably is. Claims regarding pre-existing conditions, the elimination of deductibles and co-pays, discounts up to 80% and the assurance of thousands of network providers usually make up the supposed guarantees in many of these discount health plans.

Medical discount plans are not all bad. Some of the legitimate discount plans offers useful discounts for consumers looking to save money on health care provisions, but, these discount plans are not actual health insurance companies. This can be especially true for the uninsured who may want to avoid the expense associated with full on health insurance plans, but would like the benefit of discounted medical services. Medical discount plans will not actually pay for medical procedures, doctor visits or prescription plans. What they can offer is a list of health associated products and providers who are willing to offer discounts to members. This may include certain prescription drugs, and it may include certain procedures, and indeed, certain discounts, these discount plans are not a replacement for insurance coverage.

When considering the options available for insurance and discounted medical care and supplies, understand the selections being presented. There are ways to check into the offerings of any medical plan. Health insurance plans will offer a wide variety of services, helping cover the costs of medical attention, hospital services, prescriptions, therapy and other medical expenses. Medical discount plans will offer a list of items and providers that may offer a discount for such services. When there is any question, contact the state insurance commissioner to see if the company offering the insurance or discount plan is registered to sell and offer insurance or discounted supplies in your particular state. Check into the company by looking for a telephone number, or website so you can do more investigating. Never pay any money before examining the details of the policy or offerings in writing and always ask for a detailed list of providers who participate in the offered plan. Read over the fine print and pay special attention to any refund policies, or lack thereof. Calculate the total number of payments you are making into a discount plan, or insurance company. You may be unaware of the substantial fees you could end up paying on a monthly basis or through other hidden fees. Finally, if you feel as though there is a scam at work, contact your local consumer protection office to find out if there has been a complaint lodged against the company.

Be diligent and be prepared. Some discount offers are legitimate and can save thousands of dollars in medical related expenses. Just be aware, ask important questions and make the companies work for you, not the other way around.

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Article Tags: american healthcare system, discount healthcare, health care reform, health insurance, health insurance companies, health insurance policies, insurance, insurance premiums, insurance scams, insurance system
Referred by: http://www.franchisefix.com/



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