Discover the Hidden Gem of Healthcare
By: Mary Kolpin (Business Development Specialist, Sunflower Benefits Group)
Have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to handle healthcare without the insurance headaches? Choosing cash pay for your healthcare needs may be the answer.
Hi, I’m Mary Kolpin — a Business Development Specialist that works for the Sunflower Benefits Group. And I’m here to guide you with your healthcare coverage options and needs!
(And a huge thank you to Kirsten for inviting me to share this valuable information with you!)
Navigating the world of healthcare is overwhelming for most people. Especially when you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or someone planning for early retirement.
Health insurance is usually the last thing anyone wants to talk about until they have to. Knowing your options ahead of time on how to pay for your healthcare can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. One of the best kept secrets is knowing the difference between using your insurance card and what the actual cash pay price is. The world of cash pay for medical services is starting to make its way into the public eye more than ever.
Instead of using your insurance network negotiated price, find out what the cash pay price is of the procedure. Many times the price is half. Depending on your coverage it may be better to pay cash if your deductible is high. Also depending on your employer’s health plan, they may opt to pay cash for your procedure instead of using the insurance plans funds.
You’re probably thinking “yeah right, that sounds too good to be true.” But it IS true. And in today’s blog, I’m going to inform you about one of the most advantageous (and often overlooked) options out there — cash pay for medical services. Continue reading below to see if this is the right choice for you!
Why You Should Choose Cash Pay
First things first, let’s talk about transparency. It is the law. Since January 2021 the hospitals are required to post cash pay pricing for at least 300 shoppable services that can be planned in advance. Imagine walking into a doctor’s office and knowing exactly how much you’re going to pay. No unexpected costs, no hidden fees. Just straightforward, upfront pricing. Sounds amazing, right? That’s the beauty of cash pay.
You can go wherever you want to go because there are no network restrictions.
Normally your medical provider loves getting cash that day so they don’t have to process claims and wait for payment.
You Can Avoid Insurance Hassles With Cash Pay
You’ve been there before — endless paperwork, denied claims, and those frustrating “out of network” surprises. With cash pay, all the hassle disappears.
You’ll get:
- Freedom to Choose: No network restrictions, just pick the best provider for you. You’re not limited to doctors and hospitals within your insurance network. This means you can select the highest quality care available, no matter the location or affiliation.
- Simple and Stress-Free: Say goodbye to claims and approvals, and hello to straightforward care. The process is simple: you pay the provider directly, avoiding the complex and often confusing insurance claims process. This means less stress and more time focusing on your health!
Lower Costs & More Savings for You!
Comprehensive insurance plans can be pricey. But cash-pay? Not so much.
Consider this:
- Save on Premiums: Wouldn’t you love to skip those high insurance premiums? By opting for cash-pay catastrophic coverage instead, you can avoid the high monthly premiums associated with comprehensive insurance plans. This can mean significant savings, especially if you don’t need frequent medical services!
- No Surprise Bills: You can avoid unexpected charges for services not fully covered. When it comes to cash-pay, you know exactly what you’re paying for, eliminating the risk of surprise bills for out of network services or uncovered treatments.
Direct Primary Care: Your New Best Friend
We’ve partnered with some amazing direct primary care doctors who’ve left the traditional insurance world behind. Here’s how they’re changing the game:
- Monthly Fee, Unlimited Visits: Pay a fixed monthly fee and see your doctor as often as you need! Direct primary care (DPC) practices offer a subscription based model where you pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to your doctor. This means you’ll have no co-pays or additional fees for office visits.
- Direct Access: How cool would it be to be able to text your doctor and get *prescriptions the same day? My own mom was able to do this! She had a cold sore on a Sunday and was ½ way across the country, so she texted her Direct Primary Care doctor and got her prescription a few minutes later. DPC doctors usually provide more personalized care and are available for consultations via phone or text. This makes healthcare so much more accessible and convenient for you!
*Pro-tip For You: Get the GoodRx App!
Here’s a little secret: the GoodRx app can save you a bundle. For example, a prescription eye drop that I needed through my insurance was $150? Found it for $75 on GoodRx. No kidding! It’s a game-changer. GoodRx compares prices at different pharmacies, helping you find the lowest price for your medications. It’s a must-have tool if you’re looking to save on prescriptions!
We Have Cash Pay and Low-Cost Resources For You
Not sure where to start? We’re proud to collaborate with innovators like Sedera in Austin, Texas, as well as the Surgery Center of Oklahoma. Here’s what they bring to the table for you!
- Sedera: Sedera is a “nonprofit Medical Cost Sharing Community that offers a non-insurance approach.” They offer you a unique approach to healthcare cost-sharing, where you pay cash for medical services and then get reimbursed. This model can save you money and provide more flexibility when choosing your healthcare providers.
- Surgery Center of Oklahoma: You’ll get the most fair pricing here when it comes to surgery or other medical expenses. For example, let’s say you need a minor surgery – but your deductible is $10,000. Well, the Surgery Center of Oklahoma offers it for $3,000. All you have to do is pay cash and be done with it! And we’ve got plenty of resources to help you figure things out. By choosing cash pay, you can avoid high deductibles and out of pocket costs that usually go with traditional insurance plans.
We’re Here to Educate and Guide You
At the Sunflower Benefits Group, we’re all about educating. We know the Affordable Care Act isn’t always the best answer. That’s why we take the time to:
- Explore Your Options: With the Sunflower Benefits Group, you’ll discover the many avenues beyond traditional insurance. We educate you about all your options, including cash pay and direct primary care. Then we help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage that best fits your lifestyle.
- Offer Honest Advice: We genuinely care about you and your well-being. And we love to make a positive impact on healthcare. Providing transparent and honest guidance is our goal — ensuring you get the best care possible!
As you can see, we’re passionate about helping people and providing caring, personalized service. When you meet with us, we want you to leave feeling happier and more informed. There is hope out there! Change is here — you just have to know about it. Get curious, explore your options, and ask questions. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Ready to learn more? There are many ways to get healthcare coverage, this is just an example of what you’ll learn in your consultation. We’re here to help! We’ll show you all the options that will be a good fit for your medical situation. Click here to schedule your consultation to see what best fits you, for only $99!