Is in that a instrument to take keeping at HMO prices minus the HMO?
I am considering getting emergency medical coverage only. However, I know that unless I am within managed diligence, every doctor will screw me on prices for doctor visits & middle-of-the-road stuff.
Is there a mode to be part of a strength network, grasp their prices (cash up front to doctor), and not participate contained by an insurance plan?
-->Adam
Answers:
Actually, some states are looking at this as a way of reducing the cost of healthcare. A consumer would settle up a hugely reduced premium to an insurer; in return, he or she get access to its network of participating providers and will income the insurer's reduced negotiated charge.
To my knowledge, no state have enacted legislation of this type however -- the key word self "yet." I'd look for endeavour on this sometime next year. You might try calling your state's insurance commissioner's department to ask whether your state is considering similar legislation.
EDIT: This concept is entirely different from a "health discount plan," mentioned by the answerer below.
Well, yes and no.
You're going to bring back LOTS of offers relating you about "form discount plans" that supposedly do EXACTLY that. However, MOST providers won't take a strength discount plan, so you end up paying for a chronicle of providers that no one will help yourself to.
And your emergency room might be 500 miles away.
So right now, it's truth-seeking. See the Consumer Reports article on health discount plans here: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/consu...
I work for one of the largest insurance company's. For individual insurance, what your looking for doesn't contest. There are some programs (federal, state and private) where you can enjoy co-pays for office visit and flat fees for ER and hospital stays. Now these will be discount programs and NOT health insurance. EX: If you qualify for age, disability, or income; you gather 60% on the total doctors charges. OR You can pay a low premium per month and hold flat copays with no qualification requirements.
Try probing the net for: medical discount programs, medical assistant programs, and pharmacy assistance.
Hope this help!! :-)