Discount healthcare plans are memberships that can save you money on an array of medical services and prescriptions at participating doctor’s offices and pharmacies nationwide. For a low monthly fee of around $40 or less, you can get discounts on dental, vision, chiropractic, and other forms of care for the whole family. Discount healthcare plans may also come with bill negotiation and patient advocacy services that can help you navigate America’s complex medical system with less stress.

Keep in mind that discount healthcare plans aren’t a form of health insurance and can’t replace your current coverage. However, they can help fill in the gaps of your health insurance plan by offering discounts on services and medications that aren’t covered by your insurance company. 

If you’re currently uninsured because you can’t afford or don’t want health insurance, getting a discount health insurance plan can help reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses. Whether you’re insured or not, here are five smart ways to use discount healthcare plans to reduce your medical costs. 

Save Money on Prescriptions 

Whether or not you have health insurance, getting your prescriptions filled can be expensive. The average American spends nearly $1,400 per year on prescription medication alone. 

Most health insurance plans include prescription drug coverage, but the medications you and your family need may not always be approved. A recent survey found that 40% of respondents had been denied coverage for a medication prescribed by their doctor at least once in the past year. 

Even if your insurance covers your medication, the cost may still be too high due to expensive copays. Believe it or not, insurance copays are higher than the price of the medication itself about a quarter of the time, so you may be better off self-paying. 

Because medication can be costly for both insured and uninsured Americans, nearly 30% of patients can’t afford to take their medication as prescribed. Skipping pills regularly could damage your health and put your well-being at risk. 

If you can’t afford your medication, discount healthcare plans such as AmeriPlan can help. AmeriPlan provides discounts to members on over-the-counter medicine, medical supplies, and most prescription drugs. You can save up to 85% on brand-name and generic drugs at more than 65,000 participating pharmacies so you don’t have to forgo necessary medication.   

Lower the Cost of Uncovered Medical Expenses

Medication isn’t the only thing that isn’t always covered by health insurance. Most health insurance plans don’t include vision, dental, or long-term chiropractic care, so you may have to pay for these services completely out-of-pocket. Luckily discount healthcare plans can help lower the cost of these medical expenses. 

As an AmeriPlan Deluxe Plus member, you can save up to 40% on replacement contact lenses, 50% on eye exams, and as much as 60% on frames and lenses at participating vision centers. You’ll also get discounts of up to 65% on dental work like crowns and fillings and save 30% on most chiropractic services from providers in AmeriPlan’s nationwide network. These substantial cost savings can help you afford the care you and your family need. 

Access Telemedicine Services

One of the many smart ways to use discount healthcare plans is to see a telemedicine provider. When you have a busy lifestyle, it can be hard to make time to visit your primary care doctor. However, regular check-ups are key to detecting health problems early and successfully managing chronic conditions. 

Telehealth services like the ones offered by AmeriPlan are a convenient alternative. For just $20 per visit, you can call or email a doctor to address your health concerns and get a prescription if needed. AmeriPlan’s qualified telemedicine providers are available 24/7 without the long waits you’d face at a doctor’s office. 

Telehealth provides clinical outcomes that are as good as or better than traditional in-person doctor’s visits. So you can feel confident you’re getting high-quality care when you utilize AmeriPlan’s telemedicine services. 

Get Help From Patient Advocates

Another smart way to use discount healthcare plans is to get support from patient advocates. More than half of Americans say they’re completely confused by their health insurance policies. Many people even delay necessary care because they don’t know what their insurance will cover and are afraid of getting a surprise bill. 

If you’re having trouble understanding our complex medical system, AmeriPlan has advisors who can help. Whether you have questions about the Affordable Care Act or need assistance finding a physician, AmeriPlan’s experienced advisors are available to address your concerns. 

As an AmeriPlan member, you can also take advantage of bill negotiation services to save money. If your balance from a medical procedure exceeds $1,500, a patient advocate will work with your provider to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. 

If you need to undergo a non-emergency procedure, AmeriPlan’s patient advocates can help you compare the cost of care at five different surgical facilities in your area. Considering surgical costs can vary as much as 66% for the same procedure depending on which facility you choose, this service could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

Save Money on Healthcare

Discount healthcare plans aren’t a replacement for health insurance, which provides important protections like an annual out-of-pocket maximum. However, discount healthcare plans can help supplement your health insurance by providing discounts on medical services and prescriptions that aren’t covered. 

Discount healthcare plans like AmeriPlan can also be a lifeline if you can’t afford health insurance but need medical care. The bill negotiation services and discounts can help prevent you from getting stuck with excessive medical debt. Visit AmeriPlan’s website to learn more about their health benefit plans and the significant savings they offer.