Questions and Answers About Discount Health Plans

Welcome to our Questions and Answers page. Here you'll find some of the most frequently asked questions about dental discount plans.

If you have questions about discount dental and health plans that are not answered on this page, click here to contact me.

What's the difference between discount plans and insurance?
The biggest difference between discount plans and insurance is that with insurance you pay a monthly or yearly premium and the insurance company pays for covered expenses. With discount plans you are responsible for paying for your services, but at a discounted rate. Click here for a full explanation.

But if I have to pay for my services what good does it do to have one of these plans?
It could make a world of difference, depending on your current situation. For example, if you currently don't have health or dental insurance, you are responsible for paying for the entire cost of your services-- usually at regular price.

But with the right discount plan, you could save up to 50%--or more-- depending on the procedure and the provider. And even if you do have health insurance, there are certain procedures your policy might not cover, such as certain cosmetic and orthodontic services. A discount health or dental plan includes every procedure.

What if my favorite dentist is not on the plan's provider list?
Just ask your dentist to join the network and become a provider.

How does the discount card work?
The company issues you a card when you sign up. Just present your discount card to your dentist or physician when you visit, and he will charge you the discounted fee.

What if I Want to change dentists or physicians?
You may change at any time as long as your new choice is on the provider's list.

How often can I use the plan?
There is no limit on the number of times you can use your plan or visit your dentist/physician.

What if I need to go to the dentist before my discount card arrives?
Make sure you choose a plan that instantly activates your membership. That way, in case of emergency you will be able to see your dentist immediately.

What should look for when deciding which plan is best?
You should choose a company that's been around at least 10 years; has a good standing with the BBB; offers the most benefits for your money, and has a website; one that explains the plan in detail and allows you to sign up online. Click here for more tips on what to look for.

How do I find a dentist?
There are several things you can do when it comes to finding a dentist that is right for you. The best thing you can do is to ask friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers and even your pharmacist.

How much do discount dental and health plans cost?
Prices vary depending on the plan you choose. Here's my rule of thumb: I wouldn't pay more than $20 a month for for your entire household for a dental plan that includes vision, pharmacy and chiropractic. That's less than the price of a cup of coffee a day.

For a comprehensive discount health plan which includes dental, vision, pharmacy, chiropractic AND physician, you should not pay more than $40 a month for your entire household. If you need help finding such a plan, click here.

A good discount health plan that includes physician, dental, vision, pharmacy, chiropractic, hospital advocacy and a 24-hour nurse-line, should not cost more than $40 per month for the entire household. Period. Need help finding this one? contact me.

Do I have to fill out forms and answer any health questions?
Most dental discount plans don't require any paperwork. And they don't ask health questions because all pre-existing conditions are accepted.

Who pays the dentist to give me a discount?In most cases, you do. The dentist enters into an agreement with the company to offer discounts to plan members who pay cash. The dentist is willing to give a discount because he's getting his money up front and doesn't have the hassle of dealing with insurance companies who sometimes never pay. He also benefits from the increased traffic and revenue the plan sends his way.

You talk about discount dental plans, but do they also have discount health plans that include other medical procedures?
Yes there are also discount health plans available, and they work along the same principle as dental plans. To read my article on health plans, click here.

I already have health insurance, but my policy doesn't cover certain medical and dental procedures like dental care and cosmetic and orthodontic work. Can I use a discount plan along with my health insurance?
Yes you can use your discount health plan for discounts on all procedures not covered by your insurance policy. Click here for more information.

Suppose I sign up for a plan and decide I don't like it? Do I get a refund?
Most plans that accept monthly payments allow you to cancel at any time. The plan I use gives you a refund (minus the application fee) if you cancel within the first 30 days.

If Congress passes a universal health care plan, how will that affect my discount plan?
I don't know. Without knowing all the details of a national health insurance plan, it's hard for anyone to say what effect it will have. But here are some things we do know.

How do I find a dentist in my area?

Your discount plan will provide you with a list of dental "providers" in your area. If you want a list of all dentists in your neighborhood, just go to 1800dentist.com.

But I already have health insurance. Why would I need a discount plan?
If you have health insurance (or even Medicare or Medicaid) a discount plan can save you a lot of money on health or dental procedures your insurance doesn't cover. Click here to find out how.

But there are so many plans out there. How do I know which ones are legit?
There are many plans out there, and there are several things you should consider before choosing the plan that's right for you. For tips on how to pick the best plan click here.

Can I make money selling discount health and dental plans?
Many companies offer the opportunity for independent business owners to make money selling their plan. And there's a lot of money to be made. But the most important thing to remember about selling any product for any company is that you must have the right system in place.

Special Note for Network Marketers Only...
If you're in network marketing there is a new system that allows you to get people to come to you instead of hunting down friends and relatives until they beg you to stop. And this system works with any company, no matter what product or service you're selling.

If there was just one thing I wish I'd learned when I first got started in network marketing it would have been this: I didn't need to chase down anyone to get them to join my business. After doing the whole "names list/3 foot rule" thing, I finally discovered how to have people come to me.

If you're interested, Ann Sieg has just published a very interesting and controversial ebook entitled "The 7 Great Lies of Network Marketing," where she explains how your company's teachings are actually causing you to fail. Right now she's distributing the book free of charge.

If you would like to get a copy of the book, click here.

Now back to the Q&A/s.....

After I sign up, how long do I have to wait before I can start using the plan?
With most plans you can start using the plan the same day.

How can I know if the plan has enough providers (physicians, dentists) in my neighborhood before I sign up?
Check the company's provider list and call some of the providers in your area to verify they are actually participating in the plan. If the company can't provide you with a provider list before you sign up, choose a different company.

Can I use any dentist or physician I want?
Your provider must be listed on the company's list. However, most companies will allow you to add your current health care provider if he's willing to join and offer member discounts.

Why aren't discount health and dental plans regulated by the state insurance board or other regulatory agency?
They are not regulated because they are not insurance companies and do not sell insurance. Their product is a discount program and has nothing to do with insurance. That's why it's important that you're dealing with a reputable company.

Mike Griffith
mike@ourdiscountdentalplan.com

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How To Find The Right Dental Discount Plan -- Questions and Answers