With healthcare and medication costs still higher than many Americans can afford, people are looking for ways to save on their prescription drug costs and other medical essentials.
You may have heard you’ll enjoy prescription discounts with a medical discount card. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? In this guide to medical discount cards, we look at how to use them to get the medical drugs you need and save money.
What Are Medical Discount Cards?
Medical discount cards are programs designed to help you save money on various healthcare services. These discount cards may be physical plastic credit-card type cards, paper or cardboard cards picked up in a pharmacy or printed online, or even digital “virtual” cards.
They can offer discounts on doctor visits, dental care, vision care, prescription medications, lab tests, and more. The company that issues the card usually negotiates discounts with participating providers and pharmacies.
Medical discount cards typically don’t have network restrictions like insurance plans do. You can use your card with any provider or pharmacy that accepts it. Plus, many medical discount cards are either free or have a small enrollment fee, making them accessible to a wide range of people.
There is no claims process involved. The discount is applied directly at the time of service or when purchasing medications.
The discounts offered by medical discount cards can vary depending on the specific card and the agreements the company has negotiated with providers and pharmacies. Some cards may offer only a small discount, while others can provide significant savings.
Are Medical Discount Cards A Type Of Insurance?
No, they are not a form of insurance but are an alternative to paying the total price out-of-pocket for medications and medical services. However, medical discount cards are also sometimes offered as part of medical plans.
Note that medical subscription services, although they charge a monthly fee, and may hand out discount cards, are also not considered health insurance. They are alternatives, like medical cost-sharing schemes, that can aid people who don’t have health insurance.
Benefits Of Medical Discount Card
Medical discount cards save you money, and this is how they do it:
- Health insurance plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) include prescription drug coverage. However, they don’t cover every drug on the market. If your insurance doesn’t cover the medication you prefer, and you need to pay in cash, a medical discount card could help.
- Even if your health plan covers the medication you need, your copay or coinsurance may require you to pay something towards them. Enquire if you can use your medical discount card, then pay your contribution to the cost with a discount.
- Perhaps you don’t have health insurance, or you missed the deadline for Obamacare enrollment and are waiting until you can sign up. This can mean high medical bills in the interim. Still, a medical discount card can save money on various services and prescription drugs.
Possible Drawbacks Of Medical Discount Cards
Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks, too.
- Medical discount cards offer a discount, but this discount may be negligible depending on what you use it for. Even with a discount card, you might not make much of a dent in high medical bills or expensive medications. Also, many cards have to be used for cash payments only.
- Most medical discount cards can be used at various healthcare providers, but you can’t use them everywhere. They are valid only at select participating medical providers and pharmacies. These participants may choose to withdraw from the discount program at any time. Even the discount program itself could be discontinued.
- While some discount cards, such as medication discount cards, are free online, others must be paid for as part of a subscription service. They are usually very affordable, though.
- The same network might not accept your medical discount card as your Exclusive Provider Organization insurance plan. The same goes for Fixed Indemnity Insurance plans, as some of these also have their networks of providers.
How To Obtain A Medical Discount Card
Don’t worry about how to obtain a medical discount card; they’re usually easy to get your hands on. And there are several options to choose from.
Here are a few well-known medical discount card options:
- America’s Pharmacy
- GoodRx Gold
- Kroger Rx Savings Club
- Optum Perks
- ScriptSave WellRx
- Walgreens Prescription Savings Club
These are just a few of the better medical discount savings cards accepted in the US. You can look for discount cards for medications online and print them out or pop into one of the healthcare providers or participating drugstores.
How To Use A Medical Discount Card
You can use a medical discount card at all participating medical providers and pharmacies. The names of these providers and pharmacies will be listed on the card, in the accompanying pamphlet, or on the website you applied for.
Present the card on arrival so they know you will use it for payment. This also prevents any nasty surprises when paying if the card is not accepted. Unfortunately, there is not usually a guarantee of accepting a discount card.
Types Of Medical Discount Cards
Different types of medical discount cards exist, just like different health plans. But we want to remind you that this is not a form of insurance. If you live in a state with an individual health insurance mandate, this will not qualify. It is merely a tool meant to reduce your medical bills.
So, what are the different types of medical discount cards?
Basic Healthcare
You may receive a medical discount card when you sign up for a health benefit plan or medical subscription service. You can use your discount card at participating medical providers and pharmacies as a member.
Medications
Prescription medications can be costly when you don’t have insurance or insurance won’t cover the drug you need. Medication discount cards offer discounts on certain medicines at select participating pharmacies. Many drug stores offer their own in-house discount programs.
Dental
Dental discount cards offer discounts on dental services or check-ups. Use them at participating dentists’ offices. Cosmetic dental treatments might not be covered, so check before making an appointment. Some medical discount cards may offer dental discounts along with other services.
Vision
Vision discount cards can be used for eye tests or spectacles at participating optometrists. This might not include eye health services, but you must check with the participating providers. Some medical discount cards may offer vision services discounts and other healthcare services.
Who Is Eligible For A Medical Discount Card?
The good news is everyone is eligible to use a medical discount card.
Unless you have chosen one that is part of a medical plan subscription service, there are usually no or minimal costs involved. If it’s not part of a medical plan, you can use one even if you are not a US citizen.
Conclusion
Is a medical discount card as helpful as it seems? Yes! It can save you money on basic healthcare and prescription drug costs. It’s not an alternative to good medical insurance, but it can be used as a supplement to your medical plan.
If you use a medical discount card because you don’t have insurance, let us at Enhance Health help you find a plan that suits your budget. There are many subsidized options on the marketplace, and some are even suitable for low-income people. Contact our expert team today, and we’ll get you the coverage you need.
