When Health Insurance Plans Do Not Cover Vision and Dental Services, Consumers
May Cut Back on the Frequency of Their Care
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- It's common knowledge that people
should visit their dentist twice a year for the proper cleaning and
examination of their teeth. But when you consider that these visits (including
x-rays) cost on average $206 and the fact that many health insurance plans
don't cover dental care, this can be a major expense for families. "These and
other health-related expenses can quickly add up," said Steven Keller,
Director of Marketing for Specialty Products at Fortis Health, one of the
nation's leading providers of short-term medical insurance. "So, it is not
surprising that some people may be inclined to cut back on the recommended
frequency of this type of healthcare."
Some average costs for a few of the most common expenses not covered by
many health insurance plans include:
-- $150 for prescription eye glasses, including frames
-- $200 for a chiropractic visit with x-rays
-- $40 per month for vitamin supplements for a family of four.
The substantial costs for these types of health-related items and
services, while very necessary, make them easy to drop from the family budget
if need be. However, that simple cutback can put individuals in line for
greater (and more expensive) health risks in the future.
But there are affordable options for consumers to use to supplement their
existing health insurance coverage and realize significant cost savings -
health savings plans. These plans provide consumers with savings on specific
health-related expenses. For a small monthly fee, plans can provide consumers
with as much as 50 percent savings on identified expenses when they use
specified care providers. By showing their plan card, they receive the
discount instantly.
However, health savings plans are not insurance -- they are discount
arrangements. There are no co-payments or deductibles involved. And savings
will vary by provider, location and the actual service.
The Fortis Health Dental-Vision Savings Plan, for example, costs just
$9.95 per month. The plan provides savings on dental care, eyewear and eye
care, chiropractic exams and services as well as the purchase of vitamins and
nutritional supplements for an entire family.
"Health savings plans, like the Fortis Health Dental-Vision Savings Plan,
are filling a real need for consumers," said Keller. "They are affordable,
easy to use and help families get the care they need."
Enrolling in the Fortis Health Dental-Vision Savings Plan, or any of the
Fortis Health savings plans, is simple. Visit the plan's web site,
http://www.fortissaver.com , which provides more details on plan savings and costs.
About Fortis Health:
Fortis Health ( http://www.fortishealth.com ) is a national health insurance
company developing and providing individual medical, small group, short term
and student health insurance products, issued and underwritten by Fortis
Insurance Company, John Alden Life Insurance Company and Fortis Benefits
Insurance Company. In business since 1892, the company provides health
insurance coverage for over one million people nationwide. With almost 3,000
employees, Fortis Health is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., and has
operations offices in Minnesota, Idaho, and Florida, as well as sales offices
across the country.
Fortis Health is part of Fortis, Inc., a financial services company that,
through its operating companies and affiliates, has built leadership positions
in a number of specialty insurance market segments. Fortis, Inc. is part of
Fortis, a financial services provider active in the fields of insurance,
banking and investment. As of year-end, 2002, Fortis had total assets of
approximately $500 billion. As one of the world's largest financial services
companies, Fortis ranks 73rd based on revenues on the Fortune 'Global 500'
(July 21, 2003) and 40th based on revenues on Forbes' International 500 list
(July 3, 2003).
SOURCE Fortis Health
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Related links:
http://www.fortishealth.com
http://www.fortissaver.com
CONTACT:
Michelle Love-Johnson of Seroka Public
Relations, +1-262-523-3740, michelle@seroka.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Members of the media interested in more
information or an interview may contact Michelle Love-Johnson at
262-523-3740 or michelle@seroka.com
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