There have been a number of ads run in local papers lately, that proclaim to be able to offer you “Health Benefits for $30 a month” or thereabouts. Do not be easily and understandably mislead into thinking this is health INSURANCE. You are not going to find good comprehensive health insurance for anywhere near that amount right now. I have called for information on a few of these companies and what they are are discount programs, providing you use their network or providers. If something sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
While these plans may certainly be beneficial to some individuals, my advice here is, know what you are buying. I find the advertising ploys of these companies to be a bit deceptive, as anyone reading it quickly would think they are offering health insurance.
The sales literature refers to it as “discount benefits plan.” This is not insurance and therefore no one in the family can be turned down for coverage. It simply is providing you with some medical services at a discounted price. You must use providers that are participating in this discount plan. If you can find doctors and hospitals in your area that participate in this, you can receive a discount of 25 percent on the hospital bill. If you do not have any insurance at all, certainly a 25% discount would be better than nothing, but just don’t think this is actual health insurance coverage. Not to mention that the other 75% you will pay is still going to be quite a bit of money given hospital stay charges these days.
This is not health insurance and this does not take the place of a good health insurance plan. If you have a health insurance plan with a very high deductible or a high percentage that you must pay out of your pocket, you might be inclined to spend $30.00 a month to take advantage of some of these discounts. Before you do that however, be sure to log onto their website, or call the 800#, and find out which providers participate in this plan that are within your geographic area. If you have a comprehensive plan, that is usually all that you need. Keep in mind if you spend $30 a month that equates to $360 a year that you must save first, just to overcome the cost of the card! Know what you are buying, and be sure to seek health insurance advice from licensed, qualified individuals. Ignorance is no excuse, and the financial ramifications of a poor decision will be all yours!
Irene Card & Betsy Chandler share the responsibilities of running Medical Insurance
Claims, Inc. a health insurance services company. If you have questions relative to this
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