Legal Q&A with iCan Counsel, Matt Leeth, Esq.

Q: What exactly are non-insured supplemental benefits? - Josie M., Boise, ID

A: Many of iCan's customers have this question. At iCan, we strive to provide our customers with a wide set of options and combinations to meet their needs. So, first, let's break down the distinction between an insured and non-insured benefit in the world of healthcare.

An insured benefit is where you (or your medical provider) receive a payment on the occurrence of a certain event, such as a doctor visit, an MRI, or even a surgery. When you pay your premium each month, you are paying the insurance company for the promise that they will pay in accordance with the policy's benefits. Insurance, in general, gives piece of mind to the purchaser because it can help insulate them from the financial burden related to a major healthcare issue. The amount of reimbursement you receive on a claim is set forth very specifically in your policy.

Then there's non-insured benefits, which you could generally call "everything else." Non-insured benefits is a very general term to describe all things that aren't insurance. It's important not to confuse a non-insured benefit with an insurance policy, because the non-insured benefits do not create the sort of "promise to pay" that insurance policies do.

You might be now asking: What are some examples of non-insured benefits, and why are they worth having? Let's take iCan's most popular non-insured benefit program: MedChoice. MedChoice was a program created in response to our clients need for more than just affordable health insurance – they needed tangible benefits available to them both in sickness and in health. For a flat monthly fee, MedChoice members receive a wide-range of benefits including, but not limited to:

• Telehealth Services - 24/7, on-call access to a licensed physician in your state. Subject to your state's laws, these doctors can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine that you can pick up at a pharmacy most convenient to you.
• Rx Advocacy - assistance with locating, checking your eligibility for, and enrolling you into one or more prescription assistance programs. For those who qualify, many receive substantially reduced or free name brand prescription drugs.
• Medical Billing Advocacy - there to help you navigate a pricey medical bill and even negotiate the bill on your behalf.
• 24/7 roadside assistance – emergency road service, towing, lock out help and more.
• Pet Savings - access to a discount veterinary network, savings on supplies, and free enrollment in a Pet Assistance Locator program.
• ...And more!

So while it's important not to take the benefits above as "health insurance," the benefits are anything but frivolous. In fact, many of the above benefits can work in tandem with the affordable health insurance solutions that iCan offers to clients. That's why many of these benefits are thought of as "supplemental" to your insurance policy, even if the benefit itself is not insurance.

Matt Leeth is an attorney for the iCan Benefit Group, and is licensed to practice in the State of Florida. The information or opinions contained herein are for informational purposes only as a service to the public, and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel.