A new report by a trade group describes the effect discount dental and vision programs that operate outside of the insurance industry have on millions of Americans.
Roughly 27 million in the U.S. are members of a discount dental or vision program, according to the report by the Consumer Health Alliance, a trade association which represents such programs.
CHA touts discount programs as a simple, affordable way for individuals to save money on routine medical expenses as well as for employers to help their workers obtain services they often avoid due to cost. Discounts are also a way for other membership-based organizations, such as unions or civic associations, to provide a benefit to their members.
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Such discounts are not framed as a substitute to major medical plans, but as a supplement aimed at lowering the cost of services that traditional insurance plans and employers are increasingly demanding that individuals cover through high copays and deductibles.
The median savings a member of a discount program achieves on services is 50 to 60 percent, meaning about half of members save more, and half save less through their programs.
The survey of providers and consumers also found over 60 percent of dental discount programs cost less than $200 per year, whereas only 37 percent of traditional dental plans cost that little.
Most memberships are at least partially paid by an employer. Employers pick up part of the tab for 57 percent of dental discount memberships and 73 percent of discount vision programs.
People often join discount programs through other channels, however. Associations grant discounts on various medical services, including prescription drugs, dental and vision services, to their members.
Those who benefit from discounts appear to be slightly better-off than the average American. Sixty-two percent of them have college degrees and 63 percent are married.
Whites account for 71 percent of discount dental programs and 80 percent of discount vision program, while African Americans account for only 11 percent and 7 percent of dental and vision programs, respectively, and Hispanics only make up 9 percent and 6 percent of such programs.
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