Searching for health insurance quotes these days can be confusing. People often do not understand the differences between affordable health insurance and a medical discount plan.
A medical discount plan is not health insurance and if used it as such, it will not cover any expenses. In fact, many medical discount plans cost money to start with, as a cover fee, and then keep on costing money even when users access their discounted services. People who know the differences won’t find themselves in an awkward situation later.
For those who don’t know the differences between health insurance and a medical discount plan, health insurance is something that helps pay for the cost of preventive medicine, injury expenses and even catastrophic illnesses. The holder can submit a claim for expenses over and above whatever deductible the policy has and, in most instances, will be reimbursed for the expenses.
On the other side of the fence are the innovative medical discount plans that offer a network of healthcare providers, health related services and drug stores with discounted rates. The discounts may apply to items such as prescription medications, eye exams, dental care and other medical services. Again, this is not health insurance coverage and instead is a group of medical providers who have agreed to offer discounts to plan members.
The major reason a lot of people tend to confuse affordable health insurance with health discount plans is that the discount plans are appealing to people who do not have health insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover other things like dental or eye care. While some of these programs are well run, many just offer coupon books for a high price and don’t deliver on their promises. Medical discount plans/programs are very much a buyer beware scenario and none of the plans may be used in emergency situations or for hospital visits.
It’s important to remember that medical discount plans/cards are used for a different reason. They can’t be presented at a hospital or doctor’s office as an insurance card or insurance information. For those who understand the distinction, having a medical discount plan in addition to health insurance might be just the thing they need. This is particularly true for seniors who are twixt and tween private health insurance and about to transition to Medicare.
Clelland Green is with Benepath.com, a leader in providing health insurance quotes. Benepath provides individuals, families, and businesses with affordable health insurance quotes in just a few mouse clicks. To learn more, visit http://www.benepath.com.
