Q: I have called a few doctors you have listed on your web page and they said they had never heard of USAB. Why don't they know who you are?
A: USAB is a new and innovative approach for access to affordable healthcare. With over 400,000 providers nationwide it should be expected that many providers will not be familiar with our name just yet. However, the providers listed on our web page DO have agreements with the PPO networks providing services to our USAB members. Your Identification Cards, which include the appropriate PPO network names, will have the necessary information for the provider to process your savings benefits.

Q: Is USAB an insurance program?
A: NO. We do not sell or offer insurance of any kind. The USAB plan was developed to provide significant savings on health and medical service benefits to its members. These savings would not be possible if our plan was structured as an insurance product.

Q: How much can I expect to receive in savings benefits?
A: There are many factors involved in determining the percentage of saving benefits you will receive. These factors generally include which provider you select, whether a provider is a medical specialist, the nature of services or type of prescription drugs received by you, your geographic location and the type of facility where you received services. For a better understanding, please click on Actual Examples of Savings benefits so you can review your specific area of interest.

Q: How much are co-payments
? A: Because the USAB plan was created NOT to be an insurance program, there are absolutely no co-payments. You will receive the savings benefits from your medical provider at the same time service is provided to you!

Q: How does the plan work?
A: It's very simple. You will receive your enrollment packet usually within 10 - 14 business days (21 business days if you have chosen payment from your checking account) after your enrollment date. Your enrollment packet will include your Member Information Manual and your Identification Cards that will list you and any dependents that you included when you enrolled. It also includes a list of the providers in your area and all the information necessary to access the toll-free 24-hour Nurses Hotline and your Member Service toll-free number.

Q: When will I receive my enrollment pack and Identification Cards?
A: Your enrollment packet, which includes your Member Information Manual and your Identification Cards, will be forwarded to you by first-class U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, within 10 - 14 business days (21 business days if you have chosen payment from your checking account) after your enrollment date.

Q: When can I start using the plan?
A: As soon as you receive your enrollment packet, which includes your Identification Cards, you can use the plan. Simply follow the terms and conditions of the plan and present your card to the healthcare providers listed under the plan when you use them.

Q: How do I know which providers will honor the USAB card?
A: When you enroll, you will receive an enrollment packet that includes a list of the healthcare providers in your area who participate in the plan. You can also access this list by clicking on Providers at this website or by contacting Member Services on the toll-free number provided in your enrollment packet.

Q: What if I have a pre-existing condition?
A: USAB's innovative and unique plan eliminates ALL pre-existing condition limitations (30-day waiting period for non-emergency hospital visits), regardless of your current health. You are NOT disqualified from receiving benefits under the plan because of a pre-existing condition.

Q: Do I have to file a claim form to get the savings?
A: No. There are no claim forms or other paperwork to file. Most providers will furnish you with the network price immediately during your visit.

Q: Do I have to pay the discounted rate at the time of service?
A: Yes. All payments are due at the time of service or arrangements for payment suitable to the provider.

Q: Can I use a check, credit or debit card to pay the providers?
A: Yes. You can use all methods of payment accepted by the provider, including cash.

Q: Can I choose my own providers (doctors)? 
A: Yes, as long as you choose from any of the providers listed in our networks. If your provider is not presently in our PPO Networks, there is a nomination form and instructions in your enrollment packet or you may call Member Services for assistance.

Q: Does the monthly payment include benefits for my family?
A: Any person who is considered a legal dependent under IRS guidelines (Do you claim him/her as a dependent on your Federal income tax return?) can qualify as a dependent on your membership.

Q: Am I eligible to use the benefits of the plan if I have any pre-existing conditions?
A: Yes. There are NO exclusions for pre-existing conditions (30-day waiting period for non-emergency hospital visits).

Q: Can I use my benefits as often as I want?
A: Yes, you can use your benefits as often as you want.

Q: Are there any age limits for qualifying or using the plan?
A: No. Any member in good standing can use the plan regardless of age.

Q: Can I use these benefits if I have insurance?
A: Yes, this plan is designed to assist everyone in saving money and it does not matter if you have insurance coverage.

Q: I already have insurance. How does the plan work with my insurance?
A: There are many types of insurance coverage's and it is not possible for us to offer advice how our plan works with all of these various insurance coverage's. The USAB plan does provide a reduced price for the service you receive from a provider. The cost for the services rendered to you is repriced BEFORE any insurance benefit is applied to the cost. USAB's plan may reduce the out-of-pocket expense that you are required to pay and is not paid by your insurance coverage. For example, if you have a high deductible with your insurance coverage, USAB's plan may reduce your out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed by your insurance coverage. Of course, for those services or products not covered by your insurance but included in the USAB plan, you will receive savings benefits.

Q: What if I'm traveling or moving and need to use the plan?
A: That's not a problem. Click on Providers and see who is available in that area or contact Member Services and a Representative will gladly help you.

Q: Why would a provider be interested in the USAB plan?
A: Currently, millions of Americans have no or limited healthcare benefits and cannot afford the cost of medical services. With the USAB plan, consumers can more easily afford the cost of these services and the providers see this as an opportunity to acquire new patients and increase their practice.

Q: How do I know which providers will honor the USAB card?
A: When you enroll, you will receive an enrollment packet that will include a list of the healthcare providers in your area that participate in the PPO Networks in our plan. Information on specialists and other services can also be obtained by calling the toll-free Member Services number listed in your enrollment packet.

Q: Do I have to wait until I get my Identification Card or can I get the savings now?
A: You must wait until you receive your Identification Card before obtaining any savings. The provider will need your card to verify your enrollment and to obtain certain information from the card.

Q: How do I locate providers in other areas?
A: Just click on Find a Provider to see who is available in that area.

Q: If I have a change in my membership information, what do I do?
A: Contact Member Services and we will update your information.

Q: I have moved and need a provider list for my new area. What do I do?
A: Contact Member Services. We will update your information and mail you a new provider list for your area.

Q: Can you send me a monthly bill instead of automatically charging my credit/debit card or debiting my checking account?
A: In order to keep costs and prices low and still provide the best service possible, we have eliminated the expense of direct billing and only provide our automated service.

Q: Is there any way to enroll in your program other than on the Internet?
A: We are excited and confident about our plan and the savings that it can provide to you and your family. Therefore, we do not need to have salespersons call you or "pressure" you to enroll. Our website offers complete information how the plan works and allows you in complete privacy to make your decision to enroll. If there is a question that we have not answered here, we welcome hearing from you at the phone number listed at the top of this website.

Q: What if my doctor is not on the list?
A: That's easy!  If your provider is not presently participating in our PPO Networks, there is a nomination form and instructions in your enrollment packet or you may contact Member Services for assistance.  All you have to do is submit in writing the name, address, and phone number of your doctor or dentist to our provider relations department via fax, email, or regular mail. We will invite him or her to become a USAB provider! Note: This process is a courtesy to our members, not a guarantee that your provider will join USAB or agree to give a discount.

USAB Membership Services
Q: What is USAB?
A: USAB is a membership program that provides access to healthcare providers. USAB is not an insurance company and does not provide indemnity to members.
 
Q: Who can qualify as a dependent under my plan?
A: The plans include the entire household. However, only the spouse, dependent children until the age of 23 or full time student are eligible for the benefits.
 
Q: Is there a limit to how many dependents I can have on my plan?
A: No, there is no limit for dependents.
 
Q: How can I add or remove a household member from my plan?
A: Simple. Just submit a written notification, via regular mail or facsimile, stating the household member you wish to add or remove. Please do not forget to indicate your name and member ID number so we can process the request.  
 
Q: How can I cancel my membership?
A: You may cancel your membership at any time by submitting written notice of cancellation either by mail or by facsimile. Please include memberâs name and member ID number.
 
 
Q: How many cards do we receive per family?
A: Each Family membership includes two permanent identification cards. The cards show the primaryâs first and last name. Spouse and dependents are listed by first name only.
 
Q: Can I change the type of plan I have?
A: Yes, please contact USAB Member Services department so they can assist you on any changes you may have and answer further questions.
 

Preferred Medical Pricing

Q: Can I use this service if I have medical insurance?
A: Yes. If your insurance policy pays a percentage of your medical bills, such as a standard 80/20 indemnity policy, then this service can be used. The discount will be applied to the entire bill, making your portion much less than 20%. And in many cases, your portion will be reduced to zero after your deductible with your insurance company has been met.  
 
Q: How much do I have to pay when I go to the doctor?
A: The savings vary from one provider to another so frequently that there are no averages or minimums. The savings is determined by the agreement we have with our provider. The savings will be applied, then the provider will expect the payment for charges at the time of service.
 
Dental Service
Q: How do I know how much I will be paying for dental procedures?
A: Our providers follow a set fee schedule that designates fixed rates for most procedures. You may contact USAB Member Services for an estimated cost for a particular procedure or contact your Dentist directly.  
 
Q: If I cannot afford to pay my entire bill up front, will the doctor make payment arrangements?
A: Many providers will arrange a payment plan. However, if you do not pay your bill within 30 days, the provider is not obligated to honor the lower rates.  
 

Vision Service
Q: How does this service work?
A: After choosing a participating vision location, simply present your card when you visit the provider. The discounted rates will automatically be computed.  
 

Prescription Service
Q: How do I use this service?
A: After you have received your card, all you do is present it to one of the participating pharmacies. You will receive the lower rate for your prescription(s) at that time. There are no claim forms to fill out for reimbursement. Savings is applied at the time of service.