There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation about discount health programs. The most important thing to remember is that a medical discount plan can help you save money on medical services – even though it’s not health insurance.
We know this sounds confusing. Keep reading as we discuss how a discount program will help you save on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, doctor’s visits – and even vision services and dental care.
Differences Between a Health Insurance Plan and a Medical Discount Plan
Medical discount plans are not the same as health insurance plans. However, they can both reduce medical costs.
What is Health Insurance?
A health insurance plan provides financial coverage for medical expenses in exchange for regular premium payments. The cost of your premium payments depends on the plan and whether it covers an individual or a family. Health insurance plans vary widely in terms of coverage, price, and specific benefits.
Health insurance plans provide coverage for a range of medical services, including but not limited to:
- Preventive care
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Prescription drugs
- Maternity care
The specific benefits will depend on the type of plan and its coverage options.
What is a Medical Discount Plan?
A medical discount plan does NOT provide financial coverage for medical expenses. Instead, members receive discounts on specific medical expenses in exchange for paying a low monthly membership fee. The membership fee allows everyone in your household to receive discounted medical services, including non-family members.
How Discount Health Programs Help You Save on Healthcare Costs
Here’s how members save money on healthcare costs when using a medical discount plan.
- Enroll in a plan, such as one offered by AmeriPlan.
- Make an appointment with an in-network healthcare provider.
- Arrive at your appointment with your discount card and pay for your service. In-network healthcare providers agree to offer discounts to plan users as long as they don’t submit any claims to insurance companies and pay at the time they receive the service.
That’s it! There’s no paperwork to file.
Types of Services That Can Be Discounted Through Medical Discount Plans
You can save money on almost any type of medical service when using a medical discount plan. Here are some examples of services and items that you might be able to save money on when becoming a plan member:
- Prescription drugs
- Laboratory services
- Durable medical equipment
- Office visits
- Dental visits
- Vision services
- Hospital stays
- Chiropractic visits
- Urgent care
- Ancillary medical services
AmeriPlan makes healthcare more affordable, and there are no contracts or lengthy paperwork to complete. In addition, you can’t be denied membership because of your current health situation or pre-existing conditions.
Learn more about medical discount plans by contacting an AmeriPlan representative today.
Medical Discount Plan: Key Takeaways
- Medical discount plans are not the same as health insurance plans.
- Medical discount plans give you access to discounts on medical costs.
- You must pay at the time of service and use an in-network provider to obtain a discount.
- Medical discount plans are much more affordable than health insurance premiums.