How to Compare Discount Health Care Plans
- 1). Get free quotes on discount health care plans. Consider using an online quote engine, such as SOSInsuranceQuotes.com, which will provide you with quotes on both health insurance plans and discount health care plans. These Web sites will simply ask you for basic information, such as your name, address, date of birth and a brief medical history. Once your information has been received, they will contact you with a variety of quotes from various companies. Narrow your selection down based on cost and services offered. Aim to have at least three or four providers you are interested in.
- 2). Do a simple search online to find the Web sites of your preferred providers. Make sure you can find a telephone number for each provider. Although you may be able to purchase and manage your discount health care plan online, you will also want to be able to reach them by phone if you need additional information. If you are unable to find a phone number for any of the discount health plan providers you have chosen, consider selecting a different provider.
- 3). Ask each company for a list of the health care providers they work with. If the plan will not provide a list of their participating providers, do not do business with them. Review the list of participating providers to ensure that the providers you need can be found on the list. You will also want to ensure that you can find participating health care providers in your local area. If your regular providers are not on the list, ask the discount health care plan if they will allow you to have an initial consultation with one of the new health care providers to ensure you feel comfortable with the switch.
- 4). Call the health care providers you plan to use and ask them about the services they provide and the discounts they offer. You will want to inquire about medical services, dental care, vision and hearing care, prescription drug coverage, physical therapy, medical supplies and any other health services you think you will need. Keep detailed notes for each provider. Compare the selection of providers offered on each plan. Although some of the providers may be the same, you will likely find that each plan offers a different list of participating providers. Narrow down your choices based on the services and discounts offered by each plan.
- 5). Tally up all the costs associated with the plan. This includes the monthly fees and any other administrative costs that may be incurred. Then, estimate the amount of medical care you will need throughout the year. Determine the discount you will receive through the discount health care plan. Compare the discount (your savings) to the cost of participating in the plan. Although this scenario is unusual, you may find that the costs are more than your expected savings. Compare the costs of each plan. Further narrow down your selection based on cost.
- 6). Contact the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection agency to determine whether there have been any complaints against the discount health care plan provider. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that certain discount health care plans claim to provide significant discounts from a wide variety of providers. However, some of these programs fail to live up to their claims. It is important to carefully research the discount health plan you are considering. If you find that any of the providers have had multiple complaints against them, you should consider purchasing from a different provider.
- 7). Compare all your notes for each discount health care plan provider. Compare the services and discounts they offer, as well as the costs associated with the plan. Select the discount health care plan that offers you the best value for your money.
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