Association based health plans

Association based medical plans are not a new idea. The concept is pretty simple. Basically you have a large group of people that all have something in common. It could be as simple as needing affordable health benefits, having the same employer, being self-employed etc. Actually, just about anything. When you join a group such as United Service Association for Affordable Health Care, Ameriplan, or Careington Multi Care, you get the buying power of a large group behind you and the group as a whole gets the discounts on services at a network of providers. These providers will have regular fees that they normally charge for their services but they have signed an agreement with the association to give the members of the association a special discounted rate. The trade off for the providers is that they will get access to a larger group of people to help build their businesses. These discount rates can be as low as a 5% discount or as high as an 80% discount. Typically most discount plans will average between 20%-60%.

Many associations will wrap the medical benefits up with a variety of other of benefits like road side assistance, tax benefits, discounts on office supplies, homeowners insurance, travel benefits etc. These are really good things to look for when choosing a benefits plan. Look for things you can actually use in your business or in your personal life. These extra benefits are great ways to save a lot of money on things you can really use.