Consider The Benefits

Considering the rising cost of heath care treatment as well as prescription drugs, buyers are checking into discounted programs for relief. Several of these discounted plans claim to offer savings on prescription medications, doctor as well as dentistry visits, vision care or other medical products and services. Advertisements frequently found on the World-wide-web, by way of commercials or in "junk e-mail" boast that consumers can save up to thirty percent or maybe more on the cost regarding such service. Generally, the plans show there is a network of providers who'll discount his or her charges for plan members.

Buyers who are unclear by these plans often believe they are purchasing insurance. Discount plans are not health insurance and at this time are not regulated in every state. Buyers should review plan elements carefully to be sure the advantages are worth the price.

The BBB recommends you consider a number of facts about these types of plans before you make a purchasing decision:

1. Discount programs are generally offered by anyone at virtually any cost with any benefits. They aren't qualified insurance products, even when sold by health care insurance agents.

2. The actual legal rights offered to consumers under medical health insurance programs most likely are not available to customers of a discount program.

3. Providers in the discount program's "network" in many cases are not necessarily bound by commitment to be involved in the plan and may quit offering the lower price without notice based upon the plan.

4. Many plans declare financial savings up to and including specific percentage. However, "up to 60%" does not mean a surefire 60% savings.

For anyone who is considering signing up for a discount dental or health plan, ask these uncomplicated questions:

* Is this particular plan an insurance product or service within my state?

* What is the total annual cost of the plan?

* What are the benefits?

* Do the providers recognize the discount card? Make sure you confer with your provide because the details given by the program might be inaccurate.

* If I have a medical health insurance plan and the discount plan, will providers I personally use allow me discounts on my co-payments or the balance of my bill after my insurance pays their part?

* Who do I contact in the event that I have a problem with the discount plan?

* While receiving services that require instant payment, is there a way to confirm I am actually saving cash by having a discount plan?