The Biggest No-Brainer Ever!

I was recently shopping for health insurance for me and my family. I researched small business plans that turned out to not be very attractive at all. I then went to an on-line quoting engine (my own portal is not configured for NJ yet) and within seconds of completing a quick, informational type screen with my basic personal information had various offers to choose from ranging from Plan Type, Price (lowest to highest) and Carrier. Getting to the quoting screen was a pretty easy, seamless process. Once there however, it is very easy to be intimidated and throw your hands up in disgust.

First, in the quoting engine I was using, distinguishing between the different plan types and trying to figure out what type of plan covers what. In my opinion this alone would make the average user give up right there. Second, I have a Health and Life Insurance license and understand what the various types of insurance plans are…but between PPO, EPO, HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield, No Deductible, High Deductible, (No) Long Term Hospital Care, Co-insurance, no Co-insurance, Prescription coverage or not, Dental but maximum $500 per year…it is very easy for an individual to get confused and purchase a plan that they may think is different than what it actually is.

When I made the decision on what insurance plan I was ready to buy, I was then required to complete a full application on-line. This application took almost 30 minutes to complete and again, this process had me thinking how many people get frustrated and stop, or do not have the time to complete all the information at one sitting and due to the investment of time required never return to complete.

This kind of begs the question: is technology making this process easier and less expensive, or is the price similar to going to an agent in-person and paying a bit more?

Where the technology debate can go on for years and years, there is one debate that cannot: Discount Medical Benefits. Discount Medical Benefits can supplement health insurance policies in so many ways it is unbelievable. I was recently in San Francisco and engaged in a conversation with someone near The Wharf about why I was out there and what type of business I am in. When I explained that I was in the supplemental benefits business and highlighted some of the plans offered, he asked if our packages cost about $200/ mo. When I responded with where our price points typically fall he was totally amazed…asking why everyone in America would not purchase our benefits? I could not agree more.

Getting back to my insurance quoting experience, it amazes me how many people could make better educated decisions if they knew that for < $5 per week they would gain family membership access to Dental, Chiropractic, Vision, Vitamin and Pharmacy discounts, while eliminating co-pays for non-emergency doctor visits by calling a telemedicine service that has script ability. I made my decision on which insurance to buy based on the fact that I have a discount medical plan already in place. I chose a plan $250/ mo less than I would have had I not had a discount plan. Imagine being able to reduce monthly insurance costs, save time and energy from visiting a doctor, eliminate co-pays in many cases and have access to below market pricing for other “health” services…for the whole family?

Discount Medical Plans are perhaps the biggest no-brainer ever. I just saved a minimum of $3,500 per year when I factor in my monthly savings and the ways my discount plan will save me money throughout the year. With all the talk of Obama health care reform, the rising costs of health insurance, increased employee contributions, decreased coverage, etc….I think the guy in San Francisco said it best: “Why wouldn’t everyone in America have our Discount Medical Benefits?”

If you want additional information on how YOU can acquire, please contact me via email at bob.germano@suburbansolutionscorp.com or 866-528-6208, ext 122.