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. 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
File a complaint
You can file an insurance complaint using our Online Complaint Portal. You can also fill out a complaint form that is available on the portal page or by calling the Help Line at 800-252-3439.
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, call the FTC at 877-382-4357.
Prevent insurance fraud
Insurance fraud is a crime. If you believe you've been a target of insurance fraud or you become aware of a fraud operation, report it to the TDI Fraud Unit online or by calling the Help Line at 800-252-3439.
Get help from TDI
For insurance questions or for help with an insurance-related complaint, call the Help Line or visit our website.