It’s easy to become overwhelmed with life’s troubles, especially if a family member is sick and you don’t have the financial resources to pay for the best care. From routine X-rays to prescription medications, medical costs can add up quickly, particularly when seeking care from family doctors.
While we do not intend to go into why medical costs are skyrocketing, we would like to discuss how medical discount plans can help lower your monthly medical expenses. Whether you need basic medical services or specialized treatments, there are options available to help you manage these costs.
Consider looking into medical discount plans to help you pay for your family’s medical services and prescription medication. A medical discount plan is different from health insurance. We’ll walk through how a medical services discount card may help you receive the lowest prices possible when seeking medical attention.
Your Guide to Medical Discount Plans and Health Benefit Plans
A medical discount plan (or medical benefits plan) is similar to a wholesale club. You pay a monthly (or yearly) membership fee, which allows you to receive medical products or services at a discount. As a plan member, you’ll receive comprehensive membership materials outlining all available benefits, from wellness products to specialized treatments.
Healthcare discount plans are not the same as health insurance plans, and they are not associated with any government program. These discount programs can help with various medical needs, including:
- Diagnostic X-rays and imaging services
- Weight loss programs and nutrition counseling
- Hearing aids and audiology services
- Contact lenses and eye exams
- Massage therapy and alternative treatments
How do medical discount programs work?
Again, medical discount programs are not the same as health insurance discount plans or government healthcare programs. The discount program structure focuses on immediate savings rather than traditional health coverage.
Instead, subscribers can show their health care discount card to certain providers (doctors, dentists, chiropractors, and pharmacists) to receive a discount on their services. You have to pay a monthly fee to receive the discount, and you have to be prepared to pay your doctor the discounted rate at the time of service. Many family doctors participate in these programs, making it easier to maintain consistent care while managing costs.
What is the difference between a discount plan and health insurance?
A health care discount card and a discount health insurance card are not the same. We’ll walk through some key differences and how the appointment processes differ with each plan.
Medical Discount Plans
Those without insurance who pay a monthly fee for a medical discount card can choose from a list of medical providers. These providers agree to work with the “healthcare discount plans” company by offering a discount to the members. The services provided through these plans often include access to a mail order pharmacy for additional savings on medications.
Medical providers do this because it saves them time. They don’t have to file paperwork with insurance companies, and they don’t have to wait for the insurance company to pay them. Family doctors and specialists often appreciate the simplified billing process, which can lead to better rates for patients needing X-rays and other diagnostic services.
Scheduling appointments with medical discount plans.
If you need to make an appointment, you would call one of these medical providers and inform them that you have a medical discount card with AmeriPlan (or another Discount Medical Plan Organization). Then, when you arrive at the appointment, you will pay for the services out of pocket but at a discounted rate. Many weight loss specialists and wellness centers also accept these discount programs.
Medical Insurance Plans
Medical insurance plans do not work the same way. There’s typically a lot of paperwork involved in the process, regardless of the type of insurance you have. You may receive a health insurance discount, but this discount may not lower your portion of the bill.
Scheduling appointments with medical insurance plans.
When scheduling with traditional health insurance, you must first verify if the provider is in your network. You’ll need to call your insurance company or check their website, then contact the medical provider to confirm they still accept your specific insurance plan. When scheduling X-rays or visiting family doctors, you’ll need to get pre-authorization from your insurance company for many services. At your appointment, you’ll present your insurance card, but you won’t know your final out-of-pocket costs until weeks later when you receive multiple bills from both the medical services provider and your insurance company. The entire process involves significant paperwork and time, unlike our straightforward discount program approach.
How do I sign up for a medical discount plan?
If you’re looking for discount health benefits that come with a medical discount plan, reach out to AmeriPlan. AmeriPlan is a Discount Medical Plans Organization that will help you lower your out-of-pocket costs when visiting a chiropractor, dentist, or eye doctor. AmeriPlan can help you save money if you don’t have regular health insurance and need to go to the doctor or hospital. Our membership fees are designed to be affordable while providing access to comprehensive medical services.
Questions? Call AmeriPlan!
If you’re stressed about paying for your family’s medical bills or prescription drug costs, contact AmeriPlan for detailed options. Fill out this contact form or call (800) 647-8421 for more information about our medical discount program options. We look forward to assisting you!