Discount Health Plans - An Insurance Alternative

 
Discount health plans are very different from your typical health insurance plan.  For many uninsured or under-insured people this is a blessing.

Because discount health plans don’t typically have an insurance element to them, they are usually very inexpensive and easy to obtain.  For a relatively small monthly fee, usually $25-$50, these discount health plans can save you a significant amount of money on the things you need the most such as prescription drugs, eye care, dental care, hearing assessments and ever growing in popularity, chiropractic care.

It’s important to understand that most discount health plans do not cover you like an insurance plan through your employer.  One of the main differences is that instead of paying a co-pay at the time of your visit and letting your insurance company pay the rest, you will have to pay for your services at the time you receive them, although at a discounted rate.

For many people with pre-existing conditions, discount health plans solve a big problem because there are no medical exams required.  Those who are self-employed can also find it difficult to find affordable healthcare and discount health plans provide a very reasonable alternative.

Most discount health plans are designed to offer savings to every member of your household, spouse and children alike.  Therefore the savings can be substantial for a growing family.

Before signing up for any discount health plan, make sure that there are enough providers in your area to make it worth using.  American Health Benefits offers an online tool to search for providers of all kinds prior to making your decision.

Proceed With Caution

Most state insurance regulatory agencies will caution you against any type of discount health plan.  Just remember that they represent the insurance companies and discount health plans have become a very viable competitor for the average citizen’s health care dollars.

Even so, they offer some good guidelines:
Read all promotional materials or their web site thoroughly.
Understand the discounts being offered.
Check out the companies you are considering.
How long has the company been in business?
Do they have a record with the Better Business Bureau?
Do they have providers in your area?
Do your current providers accept their plan?
Are there any long-term contracts?
Are there any administrative costs over and above the monthly cost of the plan?

Above all else, use your common sense!

American Health Benefits has been in business for 15 years and offers three affordable health plans to choose from, each of which is administered by Careington International, a company that has been administering discount health plans for over 8 years.

Two of the plans offered by American Health Benefits even include a Group Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Medical Care Insurance Policy.

Call us today if we can help with your health care needs.