Straight Talk About Health Discount Plans

Health discount plans are becoming more and more popular these days as more people turn to health discount plans.

If you already have health insurance, you may not need a discount plan unless your health insurance plan doesn't include dental, vision, prescription or chiropractic services.

If you don't have health insurance, here are several reasons why you might want to consider a discount health plan.

But first, a definition.

A discount health plan is what some people call an “affordable alternative" to dental insurance.

Here’s how it works.

You apply for membership with a company that offers the plan and agree to pay a monthly fee in return for deep discounts on your health services. The company then issues you a discount card.

When you visit your physician, you simply present your card for an instant on-the-spot discount. Discount plans are not the same as insurance, and you are responsible for paying for all services. In return, you're able to get health care at a deeply discounted rate.

Now, back to the reasons you might want to consider a discount plan for you and your family...

First, it's affordable. For less than $40 a month the best plan will include physician,dental, vision, prescription and chiropractic services.

What Do You Mean By the "Best" Plan?

The best discount health plan will include all of the following:

No limit on visits or services
No age limit
Includes Vision, Prescription and Chiropractic
There is no waiting period.
No paperwork to fill out
You can change dentists/physicians
Specialists are included where available
No pre-authorization for treatment required
Cosmetic surgery is included
Ongoing (pre-existing) dental/medical problems accepted
Outpatient services included
Hospital advocacy program available
24-hour nurse-line provided>br>

If you can't find a plan that includes all the features listed above, click here.

Drawbacks of Discount Health Plans

The biggest drawback of health discount plans is the failure of the company to deliver on its promises. And there are a few of those. I call them scams.

Barring that, here are a couple more things that might be considered drawbacks.

You have to pay the piper.
Always keep in mind that health discount plans are not insurance. That means you are responsible for paying for all procedures and services performed. In many cases, your health care provider (doctor or dentist) will work with you on a monthly payment plan. Mine does.

But make sure you work the details out with your physician before services are performed.

Not Enough Health Providers in Your Area
Another thing you should beware of is a plan with a short provider list. Before you sign up for any discount plan, check the plan's health provider list and make sure there's a sufficient number of health providers (doctors, dentists) in your local area.

You'll lose any savings you might have gained if you have to drive across the country to find the nearest doctor or dentist.

If you have more questions about discount plans, click here.

Here's What Else You Should You Expect

In addition to physician services, your plan should also include

Ancillary services (physical therapy, lab procedures)
A hospital advocacy program
A 24-hour nurse line
Podiatry services

Here's how the hospital advocacy program works...

If you're hospitalized and the cost is more than a pre-determined amount, the company will assign an "advocate" to negotiate with the hospital to get you the best possible rate depending on your ability to pay.

I have researched more than 30 plans, and found one company that offers a plan that satisfies my perception of what a "good" discount health plan should include.

It includes medical, dental, vision, pharmacy and chiropractic for about $39 a month per household. It's a very reputable company with a great track record (I checked out their rating with the Better Business Bureau). They've been in business about 15 years.

For more information about this plan click here.

Mike Griffith