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Q: Is this Health Insurance for real? ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: Is this Health Insurance for real?
Category: Health
Asked by: jazzfan-ga
List Price: $10.00
Posted: 09 Sep 2003 12:27 PDT
Expires: 09 Oct 2003 12:27 PDT
Question ID: 253933
I am about to start my own business, and so I'll need to get health
insurance for me, my wife, and baby girl. I've been searching around;
it seems like most places quote a family health plan at around $200 or
$300 a month, for decent coverage.  However I found this one company
which seems too good to be true.  Here is the link to their webpage: 
http://www.healthcare.teamdsi.com/info.htm

It's like $60 a month, for your WHOLE family, for not only health, but
dental and vision!  Is this for real?  Am I missing something here? 
I'd like to know if this is a hoax, or if there's some hidden charge
or requirement or something that I just can't see.
Answer  
Subject: Re: Is this Health Insurance for real?
Answered By: digsalot-ga on 09 Sep 2003 12:53 PDT
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hello there

First of all, it is not "health insurance."  They compare themselves
to insurance companies but there is no place where they use the term
to describe themselves.  They simply call themselves a "plan."

They also use the words "up to" rather than providing a payment sched.

Their own words

"Family Care is a group benefit program that provides access to
healthcare providers (doctors, dentists, etc.) at pre-negotiated
rates. Family Care IS NOT AN INSURENCE COMPANY, it is a way for
individuals to access medical and dental healthcare—at wholesale
prices. We eliminate many common markups—saving you time, and a
considerable amount of money. Although WE ALWAYS DO SUGGEST THAT ALL
OF OUR MEMBERS ALSO CARRY MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE THROUGH ANOTHER
SOURCE ." - Caps mine.

You also have to use a physician that is part of their network and
search for them.  I used their search tool and typed in Cleveland,
Ohio.  They did have several listed.

As mentioned above, there is no schedule of payments.

Their own words:

"The savings vary from one provider to another so frequently that
there are no averages or minimums. The savings is determined by the
agreement we have with our provider. The savings will be applied, then
the provider will expect the payment for charges at the time of
service."

Now I am not going to make any kind of judgement regarding the
reputation of the company or the value of its services.

Your question is quite specific:  "Is this Health Insurance for real?"

The answer is "no."  It is not health insurance.  While it may be a
good plan, it is a membership discount plan with no promises made as
to how much you will actually have to pay.  Its membership card would
not be accepted as a proof of "insurance" document.

Search - google
Terms - the link you provided

If I may clarify anything, please ask.

Cheers
digsalot
jazzfan-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $1.00
Good, comprehensive answer, AND lightning fast.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Is this Health Insurance for real?
From: pinkfreud-ga on 09 Sep 2003 13:46 PDT
 
Before signing up, you might be interested in this article about
NAPP's "Family Care Card":

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/features/111502_sr_cheapinsurance.html

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