6 Ways To Save Money With Discount Health Plans

Looking for ways to save money on your next trip to the doctor or dentist, and don't have dental insurance?

Keep reading.

You're Not Alone
With more than 42 million Americans uninsured and another 40 million under-insured, budget-minded consumers are turning to discount health plans as an alternative to expensive health insurance.

Some people call them a "smart alternative" to health insurance. Others "consumer driven health care." But whatever you choose to call it, more and more people are signing up for discount plans.

How Do Discount Health Plans Work?
Discount health plans work on the same principle as dental plans. You apply for membership with a company and agree to pay a monthly fee. The company then issues you a discount card, which you present to your doctor, who gives you an instant discount on services performed.

Since discount plans are not insurance, you are responsible for paying for all your services, but at a discounted rate.

Here are 6 ways to save money with a discount health plan.

High Insurance Premiums vs. Low Monthly Fees. Some discount plans cost about as much as a cup of coffee per day.
Hospital Advocacy.
Hospital advocacy means that if you are hospitalized and your bill exceeds a pre-determined amount, the plan will assign an "advocate" who will negotiate with the hospital to get you the best possible fee for your services, depending on your ability to pay. Don't settle for a plan that doesn't include this feature.
24-Hour Nurseline.
A nurseline is a number you can call 24 hours a day and talk to a licensed registered nurse if you have a non-emergency situation. She'll be able to answer some of your health concerns and possibly save you a visit to the doctor or an expensive trip to the emergency room. Make sure your discount health plan includes this feature.
One Monthly Fee Per Household. That means the plan includes everyone in your household--kinfolks or not--at no extra cost.
Pre-Existing Problems Not a Problem.
A discount program includes all pre-existing (ongoing) health problems and does not require you to fill out any paperwork. There are no health questions to answer and there's no age limit.
Dental, Vision and Chiropractic Included
The best discount plans include dental, vision and chiropractic care--all at no extra cost. This is an important feature, so make sure you get it. Not all plans include this benefit because...

Not All Plans Are Created Equal
There are many discount health plans out there, and many of them don't have the features mentioned above. So exercise caution.

Why?

Because there are also many scams out there. You should study every aspect of the plan to make sure you get the most features for your money. And make sure you get exactly what you're promised.

Something to Think About
The most important reason to join a discount plan�no matter what company you choose-- is to get high quality health care for you and your family at an affordable price.

Companies can toot their whistles all day about "what great benefits we offer," and how much better they are than Brand X...

But the bottom line is : Am I getting the most for my money?

I have researched more than 30 discount plans, and found a very reputable company that's been around for 15 years. Their plan includes medical, dental, vision, prescription and chiropractic. It costs about $39 a month per household and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you'd like to know more about this plan, click here.

SPECIAL NOTE AND REMINDER...
Remember, the money you save on health care costs will help offset the rising costs of other big ticket items like gasoline, groceries and auto repair.

And while we're on the subject of ways to save money, here's a host of frugal and simple living tips to help you save money on shopping, cooking, vacations and more.

You'll also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have an alternative to the high premiums and ever-rising deductibles of health insurance.

After Thought...
While surfing one day I was very impressed by a website that ties in with this very theme of saving money. It's full of family stuff, like how to stay healthy, how to afford the un-affordable and how to prepare a family budget.

One thing that's especially interesting to me is that the web site provides information about family unity. Like how to survive in today's social climate and where to spend times together. And it helps you with practical ways to save money and how to prepare a family budget.

Mike Griffith
mike@ourdiscountdentalplan.com