Before we offer advice on choosing a discount health plan, it’s important that you understand the difference between health insurance and discount plans. Discount health plans are not the same as health insurance. Instead, a discount health plan organization arranges for discounts on medical services and prescriptions. Your medical discount card will help you save money on medical services – if you choose specific providers and pay cash for your services and medications.
You can purchase a discount health plan to supplement your insurance – especially if you don’t have dental or vision coverage.
However, some buy a discount health plan because they can’t find affordable health insurance for their families and are seeking discounts on health care costs.
How to Choose a Discount Health Plan
Several companies offer medical discount plans. Here are some tips on how to pick a company that is right for you.
Compare costs.
There is a cost for being able to participate in a discount plan. Of course, discount plans are much less expensive than health insurance premiums because, unlike an insurance company, a discount plan doesn’t pay for any of your healthcare costs.
But still, different discount plan companies charge different monthly (or yearly) membership fees. You pay regardless of whether you use the discount for medical costs.
Most companies have several plan options. Make sure you know which plan you are signing up for to reduce your out of pocket costs for health care.
Compare discounts.
Just as you would compare health coverage in the health insurance marketplace – compare the discounts you would receive with each medical discount plan. The cheapest plan isn’t always the best option.
If you are purchasing a medical discount plan in addition to an insurance plan, you might make sure that the discount plan offers discounts on healthcare not covered by your insurance – such as chiropractic care, dental treatment, or vision. (It’s important to note that the money you spend on discounted healthcare through your plan will not go toward your deductible.)
If you don’t have health insurance, read the fine print to see what discounts you can receive on medical care. For example, you may seek a plan offering online health services (telehealth). In addition, you may be looking for a discount on prescription drugs or chiropractic care.
Compare participants.
Just as not all healthcare providers work with every insurance company, not all doctors work with every medical discount plan organization.
Check with your current healthcare provider – or other providers in your area – to see if they participate in the plan you are considering before you purchase a membership.
Check to see if there’s a waiting period.
Check to see if there is a waiting period before you can receive benefits from the health discount plan. Some plans allow you to start receiving discounts immediately; others may require you to wait until you receive your membership card.
Look at reviews.
Read reviews of each medical discount plan. Pay attention to how the discounted rates compare with the monthly cost of the membership fee.
Looking for Discounts on Medical Services? AmeriPlan is a Great Option!
Not everyone can afford the high monthly premiums required for health insurance. However, not everyone qualifies for Medicaid services. If you are looking for a way to pay less for your medical needs, consider AmeriPlan.
We offer three plans – AmeriPlan Deluxe Plus, AmeriPlan Dental Plus, and Telehealth Plus. You don’t have to wait for open enrollment – and you don’t have to pay an exorbitant monthly premium. Instead, you simply pay a low-cost membership fee to receive discounts on certain services at your healthcare provider.
Contact AmeriPlan today to learn more about healthcare discount plans.
Key Takeaways on How to Choose a Medical Discount Plan Company
- Compare the monthly or yearly cost for each plan.
- Read the fine print to understand the available discounts.
- Make sure your preferred healthcare provider accepts the discount plan.
- See if there’s a required waiting period before you can start receiving discounts.
- Look at the online reviews of each plan to see if there are any red flags.