How Would Universal Health Care Affect Discount Health Plans?

An editorial by Mike Griffith

Many people are wondering how universal health care, if enacted by Congress, would affect them, especially if they have signed up for a health discount plan.

What they're really asking is, "why would I still need a discount health plan if I can afford health insurance?"

I can only answer that with another question...

Who knows?

Who knows what features a universal health care plan might encompass? Who knows how much the government would pay and how much you would have to pay? Who knows which ailments the plan would cover and what limitations and restrictions the government would place on you and me?

And who knows whether a universal health care program would be mandatory or voluntary--or whether you would be penalized for non-compliance?

And the answer is...

It's certain that there will be problems with universal health care, but nobody knows with any degree of certainty what impact such a plan would have on discount health plans.

But here are a few things we do know...

Ailments Won't Wait
It could be months, or even years, before a new president could get the consensus he needs from the people--and from Congress--to get a law passed. Meanwhile, 42 million Americans have bills to pay, kids to feed and health care needs to be met. And for many of them, a discount health plan is one of most economical alternatives they can choose.

Don't Let Them Hog Tie You
All discount health plans don't require a one-year-or-more advance payment. With the right plan you can cancel at any time. So you don't have to sign up with a plan that ties your hands behind your back, and then shackle you with a no-refund policy.

Cosmetically Speaking...
Discount health plans may include some items that national health insurance does not. For instance, the United States National Insurance Act (HR676), recently introduced by Congressman John Conyers, excludes several items, including cosmetic surgery and orthodontics. Since discount health plans include these services, both plans could be used side by side.

With government mandated health insurance those who currently have discount health plans could be forced to purchase insurance, which would greatly increase the cost of the plan. Why? Because insurance premiums would cost much more than the monthly fee they are currently paying for their discount plan.

Tax Increases...Controversies...Debates
Funding for the proposed mandated health insurance subsidies would certainly require a tax increase, which would raise costs for everyone. After all, somebody's got to pay for it.

With all the controversy and debate about a solution to the health care crisis, it could be months--or even years--before a president would be able to push universal health care through Congress.

Meanwhile...

Your ailments won't wait until Congress decides what's best for you.

And if you currently don't have health insurance, for whatever reason, a discount health plan would be a smart alternative for you. There are a lots of plans out there. But you need one that's affordable and one that delivers on its promises.

If you are looking for an affordable discount health plan or dental plan click here for more information.

Mike Griffith

Discount Health Plans: Are They Right For You?