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The Scoop on Discount Medical Plans |
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Discount medical plans help people who can't afford medical insurance get access to affordable medical care. It's a good idea, but such plans are often misleading. Investigator Julie Brantwood of the South Miami-Dade Exponent is always watching out for possible fraud. She tells us about one discount medical plan that patients say took their money and ran. Patients and providers claim that a medical insurance gap was filled by Florida Discount Medical Network. Hundreds of locals were granted access to deeply discounted medical care. It was great while it lasted. Florida Medical Care Network of 4082 West Flagler Street in Miami recently closed its doors.
"I could not locate the company. The phones were disconnected."
Hundreds of South Florida seniors recently found their discount medical plan had closed up shop. Their provider, Florida Dental, could no longer offer them the affordable dental care they'd contracted for, but the Hernandez's were still being billed by the defunct plan. "After everything was closed down, we were still getting ripped off. Our account, our credit card, was being looted for the monthly fees.
Smile Dental got concerned when they could no longer verify eligibility for their 73 Florida Medical Care Network patients. "We care a lot about our patients and I think that it's our responsibility to notify them and let them know when there's anything suspicious going on." Florida medical care network owner Robert Norstous has been involved in suspicious business practices before. Two years ago, this now-vacant storefront was home to Discount RX. It was a drug importation business we exposed after customers complained they were misled about where their medication was coming from.
"When I got the medication, it came from India." "And I was really shocked. If she would have said to me, this medication is coming from India, is that okay? I would have said, no way! The provider responded "We're an order processing center. We provide a service. So, we really can't guarantee." Unscrupulous. They need to be stopped and we need some better protection from the state of Florida. The state insurance division has had no jurisdiction to help consumers because Florida Medical Care Network isn't a true insurance plan. On October 1st, a new law takes effect that will regulate discount medical plans, and help the Davis' with the next step in their medical care. Interesting stuff has happened since we started asking questions about what happened to Florida Medical Care Network. Though Robert Norstous never returned any of my calls, his attorney says the company is still serving existing customers, though not soliciting new business. They've set up shop including voicemail, re-routed phone lines, faxed providers and put their web site back up, though it lists a defunct address and phone number in the last two days. If they are indeed up and running again, they have to register with the state insurance division as of Saturday and comply with numerous provisions of the new law. We've confirmed they have not, and will be referred for investigation come Monday.
Medical discount plans are not insurance, even though they are frequently confused with medical insurance. Sometimes, plans use marketing ploys and insurance terms to lead consumers into believing they are purchasing an insurance policy. Consumers purchasing medical discount plans (provided the plans are legitimate) will receive discounts for certain medical care services, but are still responsible for all medical bills. "Consumers must keep in mind that medical discount plans are not insurance. Although there are legitimate discount plans, there are too many illegitimate plans taking advantage of Florida’s consumers who are desperate to find assistance with their medical care costs.” says Julie Brantwood. She cautioned that consumers should understand how medical discount plans work. They should also review the plan materials carefully to be certain the benefits are worth the cost. Consumers are also advised to ensure that their medical care providers will accept the discount card. Too good to be true? It just may be. Things that look too good to be true often are just that. With the cost of medical insurance so high, some illegitimate discount medical plans are trying to lure you by promising you the world, for cheap. Don't be fooled. Check before you write a check!
Discount medical plans do not qualify as “creditable medical insurance coverage.” This means that if you drop your medical insurance coverage after purchasing a Discount Medical Plan and later decide to purchase medical insurance again, your new insurance may not cover preexisting conditions. 
Companies selling Discount Medical Plans may not guarantee advertised services. Some discount medical plan provider lists may not be current. Contact providers to make sure they honor the Plan. Some Discount Medical Plans may not be discounted as advertised. Hidden fees, such as administrative fees for each use of the card, may reduce or effectively erase the advertised discount. Make sure the discounts available exceed the cost of membership in the discount medical plan. Be aware that certain consumer protections afforded to buyers of health insurance are not provided to people buying Discount Medical Plans. For example, Discount Medical Plan members are not covered by the State Guaranty Fund Law that protects consumers in the event an insurance company fails. Some lines of health insurance, such as managed care plans, also require insurance companies to guarantee access to medical care providers, a guarantee not given to buyers of discount medical plans: 1. Read all promotional material carefully. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Many people have had bad experiences in the past with medical discount card schemes. We welcome you with open arms to real health insurance that will accept you for who you are. Visit free health insurance agent leads for solutions to your health care needs. |
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Discount Medical Plans for all Americans
