RE: Health Care Plan
From their disclosure statement:
"The discount medical plans of AmeriPlan® offer a reduction in the cost of medical, dental, vision, pharmaceutical and chiropractic services. AmeriPlan® discount benefit programs are not insurance, nor are they an alternative to or substitution for insurance coverage. Since they are not health insurance, members must use AmeriPlan® providers and members are responsible for payment to the AmeriPlan® providers at point of service of discount healthcare fees incurred. If you currently have insurance, you should be aware that canceling that policy may make it difficult to later obtain coverage. AmeriPlan® recommends that you speak to your insurance agent or your company's insurance administrator before canceling any health insurance policy for any reason."
Obviously this is not insurance, it's a discount program, which implies that you must use theirnetwork of providers in order to enjoy the discount. You're still responsible for paying thediscounted bills, which are likely still higher than if you actually bought health or dental insurance.
Provider networks are prone to upheaval.Providers who enroll in such programs generally must accept that to make the same bottom line, they'll have to treat more patients (higher volume), which doesn't always mean the best care. The provider you see today may not accept the program tomorrow, depending upon the conditions of their enrollment.
Before you participate in such a program, it might be beneficial to obtain a provider list in your area.Check the providers out. Then make your decision. Chances are, your money is probably better spent on real health or dental insurance in the long-run.
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