Transcript Document
DISCOUNT HEALTH BENEFIT INDUSTRY OVERVIEW Presented By: Vincent DiBenedetto Best Benefits, Inc. The History • The discount health industry was founded in the early 90’s specifically to address the rising costs of healthcare and to provide consumers discounts on health related products and services that were not covered by traditional insurance policies. • Today it serves more than 25 million consumers across the United States. In the state of Florida alone, there are over 1,500,000 consumers accessing discount health benefits through CHA member companies alone. The Need • Discount health cards provide one part of the solution to the nation's health care crisis by enabling consumers to purchase health care products and services at discounted rates. • Discount health cards are not insurance and are not intended to replace insurance. In fact, many consumers choose a discount card to complement their health insurance program, filling the gaps in coverage. Many are made available through their health insurer as a policyholder benefit. The Facts Here are the facts… 45 million Americans are without healthcare insurance For every adult 19 years or older without medical insurance there are three without dental insurance. 25 million Americans wear contact lenses 28 million Americans are hearing-impaired Why They Work Discount health cards have gained popularity because they provide consumers access to the health care they need with: Immediate point of service discounts No paperwork Choice of participating providers “Easy to use” The Products Health discount cards may cover a wide range of services and products including: • Dental • Vision • Hearing • Prescription Drugs • Chiropractic • Medical Information Telephone Service • Physician & Hospital •Complementary & Alternative Medicine • Podiatry • Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements • Durable Medical Equipment No more than 5% to 10% of the discount programs marketed nationally and in Florida include physician and hospital services. Membership Services Organizations provide their cardholders: Toll-free number and/or website for customer service inquiries or complaints. Membership Identification card confirming member eligibility. Membership materials explaining how the program works including all necessary disclosures. Consumer Health Alliance CHA, the national trade association of the discount health industry, was founded in 2002. CHA protects consumers’ rights to choose affordable and practical health care programs and products through the following: • Education: informs consumers, regulators, and new members about the beneficial services and products that member companies provide as well as guide consumers on how to choose the right plan. •Code of Conduct: establishes standards for member companies to operate with integrity, fairness and accountability. It is a benchmark that helps consumers choose an appropriate discount health care program and regulates member companies on their business activities. • Advocacy: establishes and maintains positive relationships between industry and regulators to ensure consumer confidence and satisfaction in their chosen discount health plan.