Commonly Asked Questions...

The more you know about AmeriPlan®, the more you understand... it's an affordable, discount health care program!

	What is AmeriPlan®?
	AmeriPlan® is a Discount Medical Plan Organization. We arrange for our members to have access to dental, vision, chiropractic pharmaceutical and medical providers who have agreed to offer their services at negotiated discounts off their usual and customary fees.
	How much discount do Dental Plus™ members get on dental fees?
	Members can save 25% - 65% on all restorative and cosmetic work (fillings, crowns, braces, etc.) and up to 80% on preventative work (teeth cleaning, x-rays, etc.) performed by a general dentist. Specialist fees are discounted 15% to 25%.
	Are ongoing dental/medical problems (conditions) included?
	Since AmeriPlan® is NOT INSURANCE OR A HEALTH ORGANIZATION, all ongoing dental/medical problems (conditions) are accepted except for contracted treatment plans including orthodontic treatment in progress.
	What is the waiting period, deductible, etc.?
	There is no waiting period before you can start using most of your discount advantages! And, there are no deductibles, no paperwork to fill out, and no limits on visits to your providers!
	How much is the program membership fee? How do I pay?
	The Dental Plus™ membership is only $19.95 per month for an entire household! A household membership includes all residents in the household including parents, children, relatives, significant others, and all permanent residents of the household! Monthly or quarterly payments are made only by electronic bank draft or credit card. Invoicing is done only for annual memberships paid one year in advance.
	How much more do the Pharmacy, Vision, and Chiropractic programs cost?
	The Prescription Drug, Vision, and Chiropractic programs are absolutely FREE with the Dental Plus™ Membership!
	Who are the Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Chiropractic Care providers?
	AmeriPlan® has assembled one of the largest networks of providers in the country, and we are constantly adding to this base. Our network has tens of thousands of medical practitioners, almost 30,000 dentists, more than 12,000 vision care providers, some 50,000 pharmacies and more than 7,500 credentialed chiropractors.
	How do I use the discount program?
	Within 10-14 days of receipt of your application at corporate headquarters in Plano, TX, you receive a Member Information Guide, Membership Identification card(s), and a Dental, Pharmacy, Vision, and Chiropractic Care Directory. Present your Membership ID card to any AmeriPlan® provider and you will be eligible to receive discounted fees. You pay the provider at the time of service.
	Can I purchase the medical plan without including the Dental Plus™ program?
	Yes
	Can the medical plan be used in conjunction with health insurance plans?
	Yes, but it is at the physician's discretion whether to accept both. As with our Dental Plus™ plan, a member's insurance should always be the primary form of payment.
	Will my medical plan members receive a discount?
	All members should receive a minimum 15% discount.
	Why would a medical professional participate in the AmeriPlan® Consumer Driven Health Care Program?
	There are many reasons. Some of the most important are: Patient care and treatment are put back into the physician's hands. The provider gets paid at the time of care. Many insurance plans take up to 120 days for payment. Office administrative costs are reduced. No paperwork to complete, file and follow up on. Providers may receive a net increase in revenue to the practice versus insurance (HMO or PPO). The provider is part of an affiliation of like-minded professionals, without being "under the thumb" of managed care. AmeriPlan® provides members with quality, discounted healthcare.
	Can you briefly describe the Hospital Advocacy Program?
	The Hospital Advocacy program is designed to help members with their medical bills whenever a single hospital visit totals $2,500. (For the insured, this means the amount you are personally responsible for, aside from your deductible.) Charges can be incurred from multiple providers. The patient advocate negotiates on behalf of the patient and pursues a wide range of options, from government entitlement programs to payment plans. There is a waiting period of three buisness days from the active date of your membership to utilize this program.
	How is the discount calculated?
	The rates that the provider charges are determined based upon either a set fee schedule that the provider has contracted, or as a percentage off of their billed charges. In general, discounts will vary between 20% and 50%. Labs and diagnostics will have discounts of up to 80%.
	Are the medical programs contracted on an annual basis and cancelable at any time, like Dental Plus™?
	Yes
	How do I locate an AmeriPlan Health® provider?
	There are three ways to locate a provider: A dental, vision, prescription and chiropractic directory of providers is included in your member information guide. A provider locator is available at www.AmeriPlanUSAProviderSearch.com. This is particularly useful for medical providers. Call AmeriPlan Health® customer service at 800-647-8421.
	Can the Medical Program be used with Medicare/Medicaid?
	No. Medicare does not allow their providers to charge a Medicare patient a different price.
	Are doctors reimbursed by AmeriPlan® for their services?
	No. As with all of our health programs, the provider receives the full discounted fee from the member at the time services are rendered.
	Can members downgrade from AmeriPlan Health® to the Dental Plus™ Program?
	Yes
	If the doctor's office has lab facilities, can these be utilized rather than having to go to another lab?
	Yes. The lab services will be billed up to a 40% discount.
	Do members receive a fee schedule?
	No. Fees will vary by zip code.
	Do members receive a separate card for the Medical Program?
	Yes. Approved household members receive four (4) cards; two AmeriPlan Health® ID Cards and two Dental Program cards.
	Are there programs for emergency services?
	Yes. Emergency services may or may not be contracted with the Medical Program. Depending on the extent of the charges, these services may be eligible for the Patient Advocacy Program.
	Will maternity be included?
	All medical needs are included as long as we have contracted providers offering this service.
	Will the member's privacy be protected?
	AmeriPlan® is compliant with all HIPPA regulations.
	Does medical include hearing tests and hearing aids?
	Yes. Hearing Services will be included under our Ancillary Services providers.
	Does the member have a choice of which hospital will be used?
	Yes. The Patient Advocate will negotiate with any hospital of the member's choice.