MrDentalPlan.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to commonly asked questions.
Q Who is AmeriPlan® and how long has the company been around?
A: AmeriPlan®, the 15+ year old Discount Medical Plan Organization with over 1.5 million Americans benefiting from our discounts. We address a specific health market niche: Dental, Vision, Prescription Drugs & Chiropractic Care. We arrange for our members to have access to dental, vision, prescription drugs & chiropractic care, and medical providers who have agreed to offer their services at negotiated discounts off their usual and customary fees. AmeriPlan® officially launched it's medical program nationwide in 2005. The company is based in Plano, Texas where we have our corporate offices, as well as at least 40 Regional Offices across the U.S.A. Remember, we are a NATIONAL company and we've been around since 1989, though we officially became AmeriPlan® in 1992.
Q What is your mission?
A: Our mission is to show consumers an economical solution to their health needs, while supporting our network of Independent Business Owners (IBO's) as they strive to do the same. (If you are looking to enhance your income and enjoy helping others, consider joining us as a IBO.)
Q: Is this Insurance?
A: No. AmeriPlan® is a "discount fee for service" program or "referral" program. We are the Premier Discount Medical Plan Organization in the U.S. Unlike insurance, with AmeriPlan® there are no deductibles, now waiting periods (benefits available fast -applications processed the same day), no paperwork, no age limits, and all on-going dental/medical problems are accepted. We do not reimburse our care providers.
Q: Do I get Membership Cards?
A: Yes
In 10-14 days, you will receive your membership packet that contains your cards, Provider Directory for your state (the internet is the most current), and a Fee Schedule so you know what to expect when you go to the dentist. Etc.
Q: How Quickly Can I Use The Benefits?
A:Typically, you may use the benefits card within 24 to 48 hours, after joining online or as soon as your credit card or checking account clears the system. Once you are active, the dentist will be able to call AmeriPlan® through a toll-free number to verify that you are a active member. If you have a dentist appointment and need service right away, you may contact us for the toll-free number after you sign up from this site.
Q:Is there an age limit on the Benefits Plan?
A:There is no age limit on our benefits plan.
Q: How often can I go to the medical doctor, dentist or chiropractor?
A: There are no limitations on the number of visits.
Q: How much can I expect to save by using your dental benefits program?
A: Click here to see a sample fee schedule. (First, find a local dentist and then view the sample fee schedule at the right listed dental professional.)
Q: Am I really saving money with AmeriPlan® or are the dentist fees inflated to make up for the discount?
A: All dental procedures are provided to members with a corresponding discounted fee or a percentage off dentist's Usual and Customary Fee (UCF). The only exceptions are Invisalign Braces in some dental offices and orthodontics in process.
Q: What type of cosmetic dentistry does the program include?
A: Our program includes a wide range of cosmetic dentistry - bleaching, white fillings, esthetic partials, caps, braces, teeth reshaping, veneers, etc. After joining, the Membership Information Guide that will be mailed to you will detail all the procedures.
Q: How much discount do Dental Plus™ members get on dental fees?
A: 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%.
Q: Are ongoing dental/medical problems (conditions) included?
A: 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.
Q: What is the waiting period?
A:There is no waiting period before you can start using our program! And, there are instant savings, no paper work to fill out, and no limits on visits to your providers!
Q: How much is the program membership fee? How do I pay?
A: 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.
Q: How much more do the Pharmacy, Vision, and Chiropractic programs cost?
A: The Prescription Drug, Vision, and Chiropractic programs included with the Dental Plus™ membership at no extra cost!
Q: I need to fill a prescription at the drug store. Can I join today and go to the pharmacy tomorrow and use my free prescription card?
A:No. Before you use the prescription, vision, and chiropractic program benefits you will have to wait until you receive your membership card in the mail - usually within 10-14 days from your start date.
Q: I checked with my pharmacy to see if they accept AmeriPlan USA® and they didn't know. What should I do next?
A: When you get your membership in the mail, take it to the pharmacy and show them the prescription drug logo on the card. This will identify one of the largest pharmacy networks in the country and most likely your pharmacy will be one of the 50,000 pharmacies that honors this membership. Until your membership arrive you may review our home page for a partial list of top national pharmacy chains that hope to serve you.
Q:Who are the Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Chiropractic Care providers?
A: 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.
Q: How do I use the program?
A: 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 provider at the time of service.
Q: Can I purchase the medical program without including the Dental Plus™ program?
A: Yes
Q: Can the medical program be used in conjunction with health insurance plans?
A: Yes, but it is at the physician's discretion whether to accept both. As with our Dental Plus™ program, a member's insurance should always be the primary form of payment.
Q:Will my medical program members receive a discount?
A: All members should receive a minimum 15% discount.
Q: Why would a medical professional participate in the AmeriPlan® Consumer Driven Health Care Program?
A: There are many reason. Some of the 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 manage care.
- AmeriPlan® provides members with quality, discounted healthcare.
Q: Can you briefly describe the Hospital Advocacy Program?
A: The Hospital Advocacy program is designed to help members with their medical bills whenever a single hospital stay totals $2,500. Charges can be incurred from multiple providers. The patient advocate negotiates on behalf of the patient advocate and pursues a wide range of options, from government entitlement programs to payment plans.
Q: How is the discount calculate?
A: 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%.
Q: Are the medical programs contracted on an annual basis and cancelable at any time, like Dental Plus™?
A: Yes
Q: How do I locate an AmeriPlan Health™ provider?
A: 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.ameriplanusaproviderserch.com This is particularly useful for medical providers.
- Call AmeriPlan Health® customer service at 800-647-8421.
Q: Can the Medical Program be used with Medicare/Medicaid?
A: No. Medicare does not allow their providers to charge a Medicare patient a different price.
Q: Are doctors reimbursed by AmeriPlan® for their services?
A: No. As with all of our health programs, the provider receives the full discounted fee from the member at the time services are rendered.
Q: Can members downgrade from AmeriPlan Health® to the Dental Plus™ Program?
A: Yes.
Q: If the doctor's office has lab facilities, can these be utilized rather than having to go to another lab?
A: Yes. The lab services will be billed up to a 40% discount.
Q: Do members receive a fee schedule?
A: No. Fees will vary by zip code.
Q: Do members receive a separate card for the Medical Program?
A: Yes. Approved household members receive four (4) cards; two AmeriPlan Health® ID Cards and two Dental Program cards.
Q: Are there programs for emergency services?
A: 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.
Q: Will maternity be included?
A: All medical needs are included as long as we have contracted providers offering this service.
Q: Will the member's privacy be protected?
A: AmeriPlan® is compliant with all HIPPA regulartions.
Q: Does medical include hearing tests and hearing aids?
A: Yes. Hearing Services will be included under our Ancillary Services providers.
Q: Does the member have a choice of which hospital will be used?
A: Yes. The Patient Advocate will negotiate with any hospital of the member's choice.
Q:With AmeriPlan® will I receive a Discount for Lasik Eye Surgery?
A: Absolutely! AmeriPlan® does offer a discount on this type of eye surgery. You can expect to save up to 55% on this procedure.
Q: Are Mental Health Discounts included?
A: Yes, AmeriPlan® does offer discounts on mental health treatments as part of the medical plan package. The diversity of mental health treatment types include over 45 categories. For an actual list of all of the different mental health treatments qualifying for the AmeriPlan® discount click here and choose mental health from the list.
Q: After I complete the online applications, what can I expect to receive in the mail?
A: Within 7-10 working days, you can expect to receive your membership cards , membership information guide, and a directory of all the benefit providers in your area. The directory will also contain a complete list of fee schedules for every dental procedures.
Q: Am I locked into a long term contract after I sign up?
A:No. You will not be locked into any kind of contract. You can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually. If you decide to pay annually you are offered a 20% discount on your membership for the following year.
Q: How do I file a complaint about the fees charged or the quality of care in a dental or chiropractic office?
A:If unable to resolve a fee issue with the provider's office, member's should call AmeriPlan® Customer Service where they will be directed to a Patient/Provider Liaison. Quality of care issues may be referred to the State Professional Board for investigation if AmeriPlan®, the member and the dental provider cannot resolve the issue.
Q: Will Membership fees be raised after I become a Member?
A: No. you are guaranteed that your membership fee will not be raised for 2 years from when you signed up or renew.
Q: What if I Decide This Is Not What I Wanted?
A:THERE IS A 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. "If you are not satisfied within the first 30 days of becoming a member, you may cancel your membership in writing by mail to 5700 Democracy Drive, Plano, Texas 75024, fax to (469) 229-4595 or email to stop@stopmembership.com Your membership fee will be refunded. Please be aware that the one time administrative fee and money paid for healthcare services and products are not refundable. After 30 days, membership fees, are non-refundable. You may cancel your membership at any time upon written request to AmeriPlan®
