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4/15/2009

Lexington, KY - In these tough economic times, your Better Business Bureau is hearing from many people who have lost jobs recently and the health insurance those jobs provided. They are tempted by offers for what seem to be low cost health coverage. Many of these offers come by fax machine. We took a closer look at some of them….

One we saw offered "Health Care for the Entire Family…for only $64.95 a month!" What a deal. We looked up the company's BBB report. Turns out that American Health Services in Florida has a D- rating with the BBB for unresolved complaints.

Here's another one that offers $10 dollar doctor visits, and coverage for less than $400 per family! But National Health Care Association in South Dakota has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to unanswered complaints and no documentation of coverage to the consumers.

What do these have in common? They are not health insurance at all, but medical discount or savings plans. These plans will be very low price compared to health insurance, but are not regulated by the state.

Medical discount plans may save you some money on doctor visits and medicines, but only if your medical providers accept these plans…and the savings may not be as great as initially promised. Do the homework and the math first. Check out the company with the BBB. Beware of anyone that pressures you for bank account or credit card numbers before you can verify that your providers accept the plan, no matter what the seller says. If they use these methods on you, don't fall for it!

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Be a "Don’t Fall for It!" informant! If you have something to share you believe may be a fraudulent offer or scam, please let the BBB know! Call us at (859) 259-1008 or toll-free, 1-800-866-6668, or email us at info@bluegrass.bbb.org.