Signing up for a health program can be a smart move for managing healthcare costs. At NextCare, their Medical Discount Program offers a way to access urgent care services at reduced prices. However, like all programs, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions. This article breaks down the key aspects of the NextCare Medical Discount Program, ensuring you’re fully informed about what you’re agreeing to when you enroll in this Next Care Program.
Enrollment and Program Types
By enrolling in a NextCare Medical Discount Program, you are agreeing to participate in a discount program offered at participating urgent care clinics under the NextCare brand umbrella. There are different types of programs available, primarily monthly and annual options.
Advantage Monthly Program:
If you choose the Advantage Monthly Program, it operates as a membership discount program with recurring monthly fees. Crucially, the initial fee covers the first 90 days of membership and is non-refundable. After this initial period, you will be automatically billed every 30 days using the payment information you provided. This monthly billing cycle begins 90 days after your initial enrollment date.
Payment Authorization and Handling:
You authorize NextCare to maintain your payment information on file and to update it if your card expires. This ensures uninterrupted service and billing. If an initial payment attempt fails, NextCare may retry using any payment methods you have provided. It’s important to note that NextCare is not responsible for any fees your bank or financial institution might charge due to unsuccessful payment attempts.
Cancelling Your Monthly Membership
Flexibility is important, and NextCare allows for cancellation of the Advantage MONTHLY Membership. To cancel, you must submit a cancellation request at least 10 days before your next scheduled billing date. This timeframe allows for processing the cancellation request before the next charge.
You can submit cancellation requests through several convenient methods:
- Website: Via the contact form on nextcare.com/contact-us/
- Online Account: By logging into your account at nextcare.com
- Email: To [email protected]
- Fax: To 480-353-2240
- Phone: By calling 800-605-9046
- In-Clinic: By visiting your local NextCare clinic and completing a cancellation form.
Annual Membership Programs (Advantage ANNUAL and ValueCare ANNUAL):
For those opting for longer-term coverage, NextCare offers annual programs. These memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase. They will expire after one year unless you actively choose to renew your membership. Similar to the monthly program, enrollment fees for annual programs are non-refundable.
Key Understandings for All Medical Discount Program Members
It’s vital to understand what the NextCare Medical Discount Program is and, equally important, what it is not.
Not Insurance: The Medical Discount Programs are not insurance plans. They are discount programs that can only be used at participating NextCare locations.
Cannot Be Combined with Insurance: Services received under the Medical Discount Membership cannot be billed to your medical insurance. Furthermore, these discount plans cannot be used in conjunction with any U.S. government medical plans (like Medicare or Medicaid). You are choosing to use the discount program instead of your insurance for covered services at NextCare.
Membership and Fee Changes: Online enrollment fees and other membership-related fees are subject to change. NextCare states that these changes can occur without prior notice. Always confirm current fees during enrollment. You will need to provide proof of your membership at the time of service at the clinic to receive the discounted rates.
Services Not Covered Under the Medical Discount Program
While the program offers discounts on many urgent care services, it’s crucial to understand the exclusions. The following services are not covered by the Medical Discount Program membership:
- Preventative Services: This includes routine physicals, vaccinations, and regular monitoring of chronic conditions. The program is designed for urgent care needs, not preventative care.
- Work-Related Injuries and Services: Treatment for injuries or medical issues related to your employment are excluded. These typically fall under worker’s compensation.
- Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries and Services: Medical services for injuries resulting from car accidents are not covered. Auto insurance or other specific coverage usually applies in these cases.
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Items like crutches and splints are often provided through external vendors and are billed separately. While your medical insurance might cover DME, the discount program does not.
- Services Performed by Outside Facilities: Any services conducted at facilities outside of the participating NextCare urgent care clinics are not included. This specifically mentions imaging services (MRIs, CT scans, Ultrasounds, etc.) and laboratory services not performed within NextCare clinics. These will be billed separately to you or your insurance by the external provider.
- Prescription Medications: The cost of prescription medications is not covered by the discount program.
Acknowledgment and Agreement
By enrolling in a NextCare Medical Discount Program, you are confirming that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions. You acknowledge that the discount program applies only to select services at participating NextCare urgent care clinics. You are responsible for all fees for services not included in the membership program at the time of service. Finally, you agree that you will not seek reimbursement from any health insurance for services received under this discount program, and NextCare will not bill any health insurer for services you receive as a program subscriber.
Understanding these terms is essential to ensure the NextCare Medical Discount Program meets your healthcare needs and expectations. This next care program can be a valuable tool for managing urgent care costs when used appropriately and with a clear understanding of its benefits and limitations.
