Why Should Healthshare Members Opt For Self-Pay?

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An increasing number of people are turning towards health share memberships for various reasons. Healthshare members are choosing self-pay as their payment method when they visit a medical provider. Though it may seem risky, there are several advantages of claiming self-pay as a health share plan member. Let us see how this is a better option for healthshare members.

Advantages of Self-Pay for Healthshare Members

Discounts

Patients claiming self-pay or cash pay can receive significant discounts, which often range from 10-15% off the bill. This can lead to significant savings over time, particularly if the patient requires frequent hospital visits and medical care. If the patient can prove that they will pay in a timely manner, discounts can be negotiable. 

Sometimes, healthshare members who pay in advance or within 30 days are also eligible for additional discounts. Even if the patient has already received a bill from the medical provider, they may still be able to negotiate the price. Any self-pay discount a health share member receives for a shareable expense will contribute to community savings. Even if the bill is not shareable, the member can still benefit from the cash-pay discount. 

Flexibility

The increased flexibility in choosing the healthcare provider is another advantage of cash-pay as a healthshare member. Most health share organizations do not use a provider network, thus giving the members the freedom to see providers of their choice. However, even if the Healthshare has a provider network, members can have the option to go out of the network, but with a lower shareable amount. The member guidelines outline how they handle out-of-network providers. 

A healthcare sharing organization may help members choose the best prices or may even negotiate on behalf of the members. However, there are many other tools to help members look around for the best cash-pay prices. These tools can help you make informed decisions and find cost-effective healthcare options. 

Avoid Billing Disputes

Claiming self-pay or cash pay can help members avoid billing disputes between healthcare facilities and insurance providers. Disputes often happen because the insurance provider disagrees with how much the provider has billed for a service or procedure. When filing disputes happens, patients are caught in the middle or may even end up paying for services that they thought would be covered by the insurance provider. However, when members self-pay, they can avoid billing disputes and save a lot of time, resulting in faster service and higher turnaround times for the patients. 

Key Considerations for Cash-Pay for Health Share Members

Credit cards

Healthshare members may be presented with the option to pay by credit card. Patients are often tempted to pay for medical bills with a credit card, especially if the card offers rewards for spending. Some people choose to use credit cards only if they receive a cash-back percentage and if they can pay the bill in full and on time. However, any cash discount can be entirely negated by interest charges unless the patient pays the bill in full. Hence, for the cash-pay discount to be truly beneficial, members should ensure that they have sufficient funds to pay the medical bill outright.

Insurance Coverage

When members have insurance coverage, it is highly likely that their healthshare organization will require them to first get all the help they can from the insurance company before sharing in the eligible medical expenses. The health shares have an obligation to help manage costs for the entire community. The more help Healthshare members get with their medical expenses, the more cost savings can be made by the entire helatshairng community.

Unshareable Services

Certain medical treatments and services are not shareable by healthsare plans. In such cases, opting for cash pay still works in the member’s favor. For example, members are responsible for their own routine care and prescriptions. Many pharmacies offer $4-$10 generic drug programs that will help members save on their prescription costs. Many retail clinics are also emerging, staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants who can provide basic medical care at a much lower cost than visiting a medical facility. 

Though Healthshare memberships are designed to help with big bills, there are some services that the community will not share in. Therefore, the option of self-pay will give the members the best discount on their medical services, thus keeping them a step ahead. If a member lands up with a big bill that is not shareable, there are many programs available designed to help patients with this.

Wrapping Up

No doubt, healthcare is expensive. Many people have been left bankrupt due to certain accidents and illnesses, even those with insurance coverage. But the good news is, there are options available to help lower the costs, such as cash-pay for health care members. Os, make sure you carefully weigh the benefits of self-pay against your own needs in order to decide what is best for you and your family. The right strategy can help you avoid any financial missteps when you need medical care. 

Disclaimer: MPB.Health memberships are a non-insurance solution designed to provide access to healthcare services. To determine if this aligns with your specific needs, we recommend consulting a certified expert advisor.

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