Discount Health Care Programs Resource Page
The Texas Legislature transferred the registration and regulation of discount health care programs from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) in 2009. TDI assumed all regulatory functions on April 1, 2010. TDI also accepts complaints from consumers regarding these programs.
Overview
Discount health care programs are not insurance. The discount programs typically sell cards that provide members with discounts for health care services from participating physicians and providers. The program member is responsible for paying the full discounted cost of the medical treatment. The programs can provide a value to consumers who do not have health insurance by helping to reduce the out-of pocket cost of health care.
Discount health care programs are required to be registered to sell their programs in the state. Check a company's license status by visiting the Discount Health Care Program Operator and Marketer Listings page. Consumers should also make sure their doctors, dentists, and other health care providers accept the program and offer discounts before buying a discount health care program.
Registering a Discount Health Care Program with TDI
- Discount Health Care Program Operator Information
- Registration Form, Biographical Form, Surety Bond Form, Marketers Form
- Listing of Discount Health Care Program Operators (with link to marketers)
File a Complaint
You can access the complaint form at www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/complfrm.html. Also read about TDI's consumer complaints process in the Helping You With Your Insurance Complaint publication.
You can file your complaint online or mail, fax, or e-mail it to:
Texas Department of Insurance
Consumer Protection Program (MC 111-1A)
P.O. Box 149091
Austin, TX 78714-9091
Fax: 512-475-1771
E-mail: ConsumerProtection@tdi.texas.gov
Help Stop Medical Discount Card Fraud
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) needs your help in halting a surge in the fraudulent marketing of medical discount cards. In these schemes, marketers typically represent that consumers will receive low-cost health insurance or medical benefits. In reality, consumers do not receive health insurance or any meaningful medical benefits. Instead, they receive a card that purports to provide discounted rates with medical providers. Consumers find that the promised discounted rates are illusory.
These bogus medical discount programs are marketed to consumers in a variety of ways, including illegal recorded telephone calls (robocalls), unsolicited faxes, radio and television ads, and web sites. Regardless of the medium, the ads often target seniors, claiming that the discount cards will supplement Medicare.
The FTC, which is the federal government's consumer protection agency, brings federal court law enforcement actions to stop fraud and obtain refunds for consumers. If you have information about a medical discount card scheme, or learn of a victim of such a scheme, please contact the FTC by calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357).
Prevent Insurance Fraud
Insurance Fraud Toll-Free Hotline - 1-888-327-8818
Online Fraud Reporting
Secure Transmission, Fast, Comprehensive, Easy Data Entry
Online Fraud Reporting for Insurance Companies
Online Fraud Reporting for Consumers
For More Information or Assistance
For answers to general insurance questions or for information on filing an insurance-related complaint, call the Consumer Help Line between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central time, Monday-Friday, or visit our website
1-800-252-3439
463-6515 in Austin
www.tdi.texas.gov
For more information contact:
Last updated: 03/26/2013
