Doctors Network is a community of general and dental care providers dedicated to making medical fees more affordable and straightforward for their patients. It was created out of exasperation toward insurance companies that charge high premiums and untrustworthy coverage, aiming to bring excellent and affordable care to patients without the need for a third party at all.
Doctors Network medical and dental care plans are not the same as insurance plans, so how do they compare?
Traditional Health Insurance
Forms of health insurance policies in the United States have been around since the 1920s, although they weren’t called health insurance policies back then. What originally began as hospitals offering services to patients on a pre-paid basis turned into the countless health insurance plans on the market today.
Employer-sponsored medical coverage became popular between 1940 and 1960, while nationwide coverage plans were often opposed for their socialist undertones. In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were created, providing affordable, government-funded medical insurance to the elderly and the poor.
Today, about 92% of the American population has health insurance, but how does it work?
Traditional Insurance vs Doctors Network
With health insurance, patients pay monthly premiums to the insurance company which in turn offers to pay the patient’s medical expenses when they arise. Depending on an individual’s insurance plan, they may be covered for a liberal or limited variety of medical procedures, treatments, and medications.
What doctor or medical institution a patient goes to for treatment will also depend on their insurance plan. In many cases, an individual’s doctor needs to be a part of the network of their specific insurance company for the patient to receive benefits.
How does Doctors Network compare?
Doctors Network works on a subscription basis, charging individuals a low monthly fee and significantly reducing their medical bills for a range of procedures. Medical transactions are completed between the patient and their doctor.
For patients to receive the benefits of the Doctors Network plans, their medical service providers must be a part of the company’s network. However, a doctor can easily become a part of the network by emailing a Doctors Network representative.
Who Qualifies?
Every health insurance plan will have a list of qualifications that applicants must meet in order to get approved. Every health insurance plan is different, and those eligible for each one will be different too. Before applying, applicants must read through the plan’s eligibility rules to make sure they qualify.
An employer or the government can also provide health insurance in certain situations. This usually applies to full-time employees of businesses, companies, and corporations. Freelancers and part-time workers often do not receive insurance benefits.
For government insurance, individuals can choose Medicare and Medicaid which are generally considered affordable options. Medicare is for anyone 65 years old and older. Medicaid is insurance for low-income individuals.
Let’s compare that to Doctors Network.
Doctors Network is not a form of insurance, so there are no specific qualifications that individuals must meet before they apply. All individuals can apply and receive benefits whether or not they have health insurance.
How Much Does it Cost?
Insurance premiums and deductibles have grown exponentially thanks to inflation. In 2023, the price of health insurance premiums has increased by 47% in the last 10 years. What once was affordable for the average American has become a financial burden on so many, but new insurance plans are working to combat rising prices.
Health insurance in the United States depends on a person’s monthly income. Prices can range from completely free to $800+.
Doctors Network uses a monthly subscription, similar to health insurance, with rates ranging from $9.99 to $39.99. A variety of dental and general medical treatments are then provided to individuals at a vastly discounted price.
What Coverage Do You Get?
Coverage depends on the type of health insurance a person has.
In general, health insurance covers certain types of doctor’s visits, emergency care, hospital stays, tests, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. If the insurance company deems any medical procedures unnecessary, they can deny a claim, leaving the individual to pay out-of-pocket.
Doctors Network provides discounts for a diverse assortment of dental and primary care treatments, as well as annual check-ups, urgent care visits, and pediatric treatments. You can read through their coverage opportunities on their website.
Even with insurance, having an additional medical plan like those offered by Doctors Network can protect you from paying exorbitant prices for unexpected medical procedures. And for those without health insurance, a medical plan is essential for staying healthy and saving money.
