1. Can I use MembersHealth at any other location?
MembersHealth is a stand alone medical center located at 1105 E. Front St., Traverse City, Michigan. Your membership is only valid at this site but you will be able to see any of our staff physicians for medical care at this location. Our opening date is November 1, 2007.
2. How does my insurance work with a MembersHealth Medical Center?
MembersHealth is not an insurance program nor do we participate with any insurances. We are a "direct to consumer" health care program that provides comprehensive primary medical care (all services typically provided by family practice doctors) for a low monthly fee. Under our system we now work for YOU, not the insurance company. You will still need health insurance to cover all other health care visits including hospital stays and visits to specialists. MembersHealth can be used as a standalone health care program that provides only primary care services. However, we strongly encourage individuals and families to combine MembersHealth with a medical insurance program. This combination can provide unlimited office calls (with no co-pays or deductible), as well as catastrophic care should major medical costs be incurred, all at a reduced cost. And there are additional advantages:
- There is no co-pay or deductible "penalty" for visiting your family doctor. You are free to see your physician as often as you wish.
- Unlike insurance "managed health care plans", our physicians are responsible for a limited number of patients (less than half as many as the average family physician), allowing faster access to your doctor, and longer appointment times.
- Your MembersHealth physician will provide a free annual physical exam and there will be a strong emphasis on preventative care and wellness programs.
- Each MembersHealth patient will have their own portable medical record for travel.
3. Is Medicare accepted?
Office visits would be covered by your MembersHealth contract, as we do not accept any insurance programs (including Medicare). Your Medicare policy, like nearly all insurances, will continue to cover most other services such as ER visits, hospitalization, and specialists care for example.
4. Do I have to pay the annual fee all at once?
No. MembersHealth payments are made monthly by direct deposit from your employer, your bank account, or automatically through your credit card.
5. Can my employer substitute this plan in place of what he currently provides his employees?
That is up to your employer. We would be happy to discuss the potential savings and additional advantages available to employers that participate with MembersHealth. Cost savings and our preventative health emphasis are particularly attractive to employers.
6. How does MembersHealth work with a corporate benefits plan?
The federal government allows a number of tax-favored health plans. Among them are an employer "cafeteria plan," Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's), health reimbursement arrangements (HRA's), and health savings accounts (HSA's). The extent to which you can pay the monthly MembersHealth fee from or through any of these plans depends upon multiple factors. You should contact your tax advisor for specific advice.
7. What services are provided at MembersHealth?
- All primary care services typically provided by family practitioners
- The enhanced ability to contact your physician 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Same day office visits
- Unlimited office visits
- No co-pay or deductible for office visits
- Comprehensive annual physical exam
- Extended office visits, allowing more quality time with your doctor
- An electronic personal medical record that you can take with you
- Unlimited e-mail, FAX, and phone consultations with your physician
- Free membership to fitness facilities
8. Is the practice only for adults, or are my children eligible?
MembersHealth physicians are qualified to care for adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients. We encourage family participation .
9. Is the MembersHealth monthly fee tax deductible?
In some circumstances, your MembersHealth fees may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for specific answers to your situation.
10. Does joining MembersHealth take the place of health insurance?
No. MembersHealth has been designed to provide extensive primary care services. However, hospital care, emergency department visits, specialty care, lab and x-ray services, for example, are not provided. That is why we encourage all of our members to have adequate medical insurance coverage.
11. What if I have an emergency?
All emergencies should be handled by dialing 911. We will be notified of your ER visit and follow through with care as needed. Minor emergencies can be handled directly through our office.
12. What about the cost of medications?
MembersHealth will provide a limited number of generic medications at minimal charge to member patients for convenience. Several local pharmacies carry generic medications for as little as $4.00/month.
13. What period will my membership cover?
Patient membership expires one year from the date you sign up. The membership will be automatically rolled over on a year to year basis unless you request otherwise. You also have the right to terminate your contract at any time upon notice to MembersHealth.
