However, due to the rise of Discount Medical Plan Organizations (DMPO), a cost-effective alternative to traditional health insurance is now available.

In most states the SCHIP program provides assistance only to those children whose family income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. But even this assistance is falling into question.

“A key issue about the SCHIP program, which Congress is expected to reauthorize in 2007, is whether sufficient resources will be made available to states to enroll all eligible children,” Families USA said in a recent statement.

Dr. David Alexander, a pediatrician at the National Association of Children’s Hospitals offers a somewhat optimistic comment when he said that up to two-thirds of uninsured children should be eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP, if funding for the programs is made available by states and the federal government.

“If we can get this done, we’ll whittle down the number of uninsured children to just a few million,” says Dr. Alexander.

What does the future hold for those children who cannot receive the medical treatment they need?

“For those 9 million uninsured children, the resulting harm is huge – in denied healthcare as well as stunted educational and personal development,” said Ron Pollack Executive Director of Families USA.

President of the Child Welfare League of America, Shay Bilchik, concludes that, “As a nation, we cannot afford to jeopardize children’s health during their most crucial developmental years, undermining the foundation which we know is so critical to achieving future social, intellectual and economic success.”

The continuing rise of healthcare is having a dramatic impact on Americans. The Economic Policy Institute reported close to 16 percent of the population is without health insurance, either private, employer, or government provided.

In 2005, the number of Americans without any health insurance grew by nearly 7 million to a total of 46.6 million.

Clearly there is a gap between the insured and uninsured. Health Insurance costs have risen to a point, for many it is a luxury that is not an option.

DMPOs may provide a solution to the healthcare crisis. Discount Medical Plan Organizations (DMPO) offer a discounted-fee-for-service program. DMPO members receive steep discounts when they receive treatment at a network provider; lowering their out-of-pocket expense and enabling them to access the care they require.

Those that do not qualify for government health insurance programs or are ineligible for traditional health insurance, for any reason, can turn to a DMPO for assistance. Normally discount benefits are packaged together to provide maximum savings on a full range of services, such as: Dental, Vision, Chiropractic, Prescription Drugs, Doctor, Ancillary Care and Hospital Advocacy.

The savings to be had varies with each DMPO and depends on the procedure or service needed. Discounts range from 20 to 80 percent off of the providers customary fee. Discounts apply to anything from mail order prescription drugs to cosmetic surgery.

The Consumer Health Alliance, a national trade association created to protect consumers’ rights, has established ethical standards for discount healthcare companies to operate under.

They suggest that consumers find a company that: specifically defines benefits, terms and discounts; has a toll-free number and/or website so benefits and provider information can be easily obtained; has a reasonable complaint resolution and refund policy; and clearly states that the discount health card is not insurance.

DrDiscounts4U.com is a discount benefits advisory company associated with a Consumer Health Alliance founding member and is located in the Dallas, Texas area. Visit http://DrDiscounts4U.com/ or call toll-free 1-866-550-5859.

Editor Contacts:
Ben Winans
DrDiscounts4U.com
Toll-Free: 1-866-550-5859