Medical cards are available when a person subscribes to a discount medical plan. There are many agencies that offer these discount medical plans. Discount medical cards cover many health-related services, surgical procedures and pharmaceuticals. A monthly payment is required to get the discounted facilities based on the plan. The government also issues medical cards for certain types of citizens to get discounted medical facilities.
Effects
The effect of a discount medical card is that you can get low-cost medical services after paying a monthly or quarterly fee. Medical cards cover a wide range of health care products. Vision, dental, prescription drugs, podiatry, hospital stay, hospital advocacy, chiropractic treatment and visits to the physician are all covered by medical cards that are issued along with customized discounted medical plans. The government also issues cards through Medicare, such as a drug discount card for senior citizens. These cards give considerable savings in out-of-pocket medical costs.
Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that medical cards provide medical insurance. Medical cards do not pay when you need money to pay for sudden medical expenses. They get you treatment at a discounted rate. You need to pay a monthly or quarterly fee to subscribe to a low-cost health plan. You will only get a percentage taken off your medical bills from providers approved by the company issuing the card. Unlike insurance, medical cards do not cover all bills, nor can you make a claim. Insurance pays for your expenses; medical cards reduce the amount charged for treatment.
Considerations
Read the fine print. The plan will give you a list of providers, so make sure there are providers at a convenient distance from where you live. Check to see if there is a refund policy. Calculate all fees and charges. Sometimes the charges may be more than the savings. Check to see if the plan has hospital advocacy, involving a predetermined fixed sum to be paid to the hospital in the plan. Check whether the plan gives a guarantee, has easy payment options and provides good savings on medical expenses.
Warning
Unlike Insurance, medical plans and discount medical cards are not regulated by state insurance departments. Check the company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Discount medical plans come with hidden costs, such as administrative fees. These payments may eat into the savings that you need from the plan. The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning that discount medical cards should not be mistaken as insurance, and care must be taken that the card gives a good discount on your medical expenses for the money paid.
Benefits
The benefits of a medical card are that they cover a wide range of health-related expenses. You can get a discount on all of your medical expenses, including dental and vision. Those with a high-deductible insurance coverage will get considerable relief by purchasing discounted medical cards. They are also useful consumer-directed health plans and can be customized to a particular need. Medical cards are very useful for people who need health care but cannot afford insurance.
