Released on = July 31, 2006, 6:24 pm

Press Release Author = Stacey Hill / A Plan Benefits

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Middle Class America is most affected by the healthcare
crisis. They are working and contributing to society but many are without medical
benefits. They make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford the
high premiums of insurance. Consumer Driven Healthcare is filling that gap and
helping the Middle Class get the care they deserve.



Press Release Body = In Pennsylvania alone, over 1.4 million people lack health
insurance. My family was part of this statistic less than two years ago when my
husband unexpectedly lost his job. To make matters worse, just five days earlier, we
learned we were pregnant with our second child. The financial position we found
ourselves in was terrifying. We dropped a full-time income and lost medical
insurance in only one week's time. Cobra was offered to us, but with the loss of
income, we didn't have the $400 it would cost for the monthly premium. Thousands of
individuals and families find themselves in similar situations everyday. There are
several reasons for the lack of insurance. But whatever the reason, it is important
to know that you have options.

According to the Consumer Health Alliance more than 45 million Americans are without
health benefits and that number is steadily growing. In most cases, for the
households with no benefits, at least one person in the household is working a
full-time job. The number of households that have insurance are dealing with rising
premiums, rising co-pays, and a loss of benefits. In fact, health insurance costs
are rising by 10% to 15% or more annually! The middle class is the hardest hit by
these rising costs. They make too little to cover insurance premiums on a monthly
basis, but they make too much to qualify for Medicaid. The Health Care Situation is
distressing. But it's NOT hopeless.

Consumer Driven Health Care is a relatively new concept but it should by no means be
overlooked. The Consumer Health Alliance was launched in 1992 to regulate this new
industry. The companies affiliated with the Consumer Health Alliance offer discount
medical cards to their members. According to the Consumer Health Alliance, these
discount cards are gaining popularity because they allow consumers to gain access to
the healthcare they need without the exclusions, limitations, and paperwork
typically associated with insurance. If you are suffering from a medical condition
and can't get insurance, a discount plan won't exclude you! In fact, your medical
history is of no concern to them. You can enroll in the plan and get affordable care
immediately! And even better, the monthly membership fee is nominal.

The other benefit to these plans is that many offer supplemental packages that
include dental, vision, prescription, and chiropractic benefits that are an
affordable complement to insurance plans. Too many companies are having to scale
back the benefits packages for their employees just to keep insurance affordable.
Although a good dental plan is the 2nd most requested benefit, it's also one of the
first things to go when a company is forced to cut back.

The plans work this way. For a low monthly fee, members of discount plans gain
access to wholesale rates similar to what large insurance companies pay. When care
is received at a participating provider, the member pays the discounted fee at the
time of service. It's a benefit not only to the member, but also to the provider who
is able to get payment up front with no paperwork to file. The services offered by
the benefits companies will vary. For example, AmeriPlan Health® offers a
comprehensive package for the uninsured that includes Doctors, Specialists,
Ancillary care (labs, scans, hearing, etc.), Dental, Vision, Prescription,
Chiropractic, and Hospitalization. They also offer a Dental Plan that includes FREE
Vision, Prescription, and Chiropractic Benefits.

Should you look into a fee-for-service plan? That depends, every insurance plan is
different. Some are very comprehensive and include a good dental and vision plan.
Others don't. If you've got kids that need orthodontic work, a discount plan could
save you thousands. If you are looking into bridgework, cosmetic dentistry, or
dentures, it would be worth your while to check out a discount plan. I can't say
enough about how great these plans are.

It's my mission to get benefits to those who need them. I will never forget the
stress our family faced when we didn't have any medical benefits. If you are
uninsured or underinsured, look into your options. You can get affordable care. And
if you are uninsurable, there is help for you as well!

For more information on Consumer Driven Health Care and the companies affiliated
with the Consumer Health Alliance, visit www.consumerhealthalliance.org. If you
would like more information on AmeriPlan®, you can contact Stacey Hill, AmeriPlan®
IBO, at 215-357-5222 or visit www.APlanBenefits.com. For information on group
benefits, visit www.AmericanHealthDiscounts.com.


Web Site = http://www.APlanBenefits.com

Contact Details = Stacey Hill
962 Independence Rd
Warminster, PA 18974
800-819-4943
SHill@mybenefitsplus.com