Are discount plans worth the money ?...

Buyer beware. That's the first thing I would say to anyone considering purchasing a discount plan. Why? Be cause these plans are not true health insurance. There is no comprehensive coverage involved.

Basically they serve much in the same way as a discount shoppers club. You only get the real benefit if you use it.

That being said if you are on a tight budegt and don't have anything then these may be a stop gap until you can afford more comprehensive coverage..

In these uncertain economic times this type of plan can at least provide some very basic care. Just keep in mind just what you are getting into.

You might discover a few bucks more per month will get you into a true health insurance policy.

It is important to emphasize that the companies running the discount health plans are not insurance companies. A discount plan is not an insurance policy and does not give you comprehensive health coverage. I cannot emphasive enough that these are not a substitute for health insurance.

Discount health plan organizations are formed to provide discount health coverage to members. As a customer you agree to pay for membership on a monthly or yearly basis. The discount plan can give you savings on medical, dental, vision, hearing, prescription, counseling, and more, depending on the plan.

The Benefits of a Discount Plan
Some of the better plans offer discounts up to 40% on some basic medical and dental services. The health practitioner you will see as part of this system has already agreed to participate in the discount service by signing a contract. The plans doctors have already agreed to a lower percentage of their normal fees and this percentage is passed on to you.

The discount card can help you get more services for your money. Something to consider is whether the total of your membership fees for a year is more than the money you saved in discounts over the year. In other words, if the money you will pay to the discount plan is greater than the money you saved (not the money you spent), the discount plan will be of help to you. If you know you will spend a lot on health care services and prescriptions over the next year, it might help you to join.

For those people who cannot get health insurance because of a pre-existing condition, many discount health plans will not exclude you from joining. Unlike an insurance company, discount health companies do not pay the health provider for any services; they only guarantee discounts to you as a member. A requirement of not having seen a doctor in the year before membership may be all the plan requires.

Drawbacks to a Discount Health Plan
There are some drawbacks of discount plans for which you should be aware. Before signing up, make sure there are enough providers of care and drugstores in your local area. Also, check out who the providers are and whether they are trustworthy. You may be used to seeing one group of doctors, going to the hospital where they work, and using a particular pharmacy. With a discount health plan, this may not be possible.

Another drawback to discount plans deals with good business practice. There is no regulatory agency that oversees them. You need to verify that they are reputable.

Always keep in mind that a Discount Health Plan is not insurance. Even with a discount plan, you pay the doctor or pharmacy for all fees out of your own money. Make sure you know every aspect of the plan before you decide to sign up.

Request a health insurance quote and speak with a licensed agent who can provide you with information, answer your health insurance related questions and help you determine which kind of health coverage is best for you.

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