Consumer Alert

Many of these plans use language that make them sound like insurance, but the product being sold is NOT insurance. Many of them are discount card programs.

DISCOUNT CARD PROGRAMS:

Discount card programs sound enticing because they are low-costing and they offer a wide range of coverage options. What makes them sound even better is that they accept everyone regardless of age, gender, pre-existing conditions, etc.

Discount card programs are different from insurance because they do not pay providers (doctors, hospitals, labs, etc.) anything. People who sign up become members of the program and usually must pay some type of monthly or annual fee. Members can then see a participating provider to receive services at a discounted rate. This discounted rate is the amount negotiated between the discount card program and the participating provider. Members must receive services by a participating provider to receive the discount. Members are responsible for the full charge, nothing will be paid by the discount card program.

Because discount card program plans are not insurance, the Insurance Division does not regulate them and has no jurisdiction over them. To those who choose to purchase plans from discount card programs, the Insurance Division cannot provide the same protections offered to those who purchase insurance from companies licensed to sell health insurance in Hawaii.

• Be Careful When Purchasing a Discount Health Card

GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING HEALTH PLANS:

Check to ensure the company and agent are licensed in Hawaii. This can be done by contacting the Insurance Division (808) 586-2790, or by checking on the Insurance Division website:

• www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ins/
• Click on Consumer
• Click on Insurance License Search

If the company is not licensed it may be operating illegally and there is no guarantee you will receive the benefits promised if you get sick or injured.

Ask for a list of participating providers. Check to ensure that there are participating providers in your area that you can utilize. Since we an island state, make sure there are participating providers on your island.

Ask doctors, dentists, pharmacies you utilize and are familiar with if they participate or know of anyone who does and what their experiences have been.

If you are required to get your doctor to be a participating provider consider looking elsewhere for coverage. Legitimate companies establish their own connections, it is part of what they are in business for.

Ask the company / agent if the plan is insurance. If the answer is yes, ask for the name of the company underwriting the plan. Check with the Insurance Division to make sure the plan is licensed.

Ask the company / agent how the plan works, how will benefits get paid, how much will be paid, etc. Giving examples of possible scenarios may be helpful (i.e. “If I have a heart attack and need to be operated on and must stay in the hospital for 2 weeks, how much will be covered?”).

Ask the company / agent for a list of exclusions and limitations as well as for a list of what is covered. Generally, if they say “everything is covered” or “there are no exclusions”, it is usually not insurance, but is a discount card program.

If the agent asks for your credit card number before providing information regarding the plan, DO NOT give out this information. This may not be legitimate.

Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you are considering purchasing coverage through a company you are unsure of, contact the Insurance Division at:

State of Hawaii – Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Insurance Division
335 Merchant Street
2nd Floor
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 586-2790
www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ins/