As many of us reach our family years (as opposed to the carefree college days when a job at a fast-food chain would suffice), we are finding a declining number of employers willing or able to offer health insurance benefits; therefore, our choices are to either pay the exorbitant healthcare premiums out of our own pocket, or play the odds and go without. With increasing costs to the family budget from large fuel bills, heating bills, mortgages, and groceries, many families are forced to play those odds and hope and pray their family stays healthy.

   In fact, nationally, there are more than 43 million individuals without health insurance (. . .and 29 million more who are underinsured). Additionally, individuals between the ages of 18-34 (in other words, people with young families) are the least likely to have a health plan, leaving these families at a high risk for financial ruin should a serious medical situation arise (Holmes, 2005).

   As one individual put it, “My family makes too much money to qualify for Medicaid and not enough money to pay for health insurance. What am I supposed to do?” Fortunately, for this individual and many like him, some affordable alternatives to traditional health insurance are now in the marketplace. One of the newest alternative products offers a discounted fee for service program, which allows members of the service to receive a pre-negotiated rate when medical assistance is needed.

   Just like a traditional insurance company, that negotiates its rates with hospitals and doctors, the discount for fee company pre-negotiates discounted rates for its members. Unlike the traditional insurance company (because these programs are not labeled 'insurance'), there are no 'pre-existing' clauses, waiting periods, deductibles, or lifetime limits.

   This method of accessing healthcare empowers individuals and families while allowing for the delivery of better care while significantly reducing its cost. Now, uninsured and underinsured individuals have healthcare options that won't break the bank.

Written by Lea Burdett

Holmes, M. Analysis of US Census. Current Population Survey 2004-2005 (Calendar years 2003-2004).
     Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
     2005. The analyses are based on two-year average of 2004-2005 CPS data weighted more heavily to the
     most recent year.