Discount Plans
Q Is this an insurance plan?
No, this is not an insurance plan. The discount program provides members with discounted prices on a wide range of health care services and products; you will pay for services at the discounted price at the time services are received.
Q How does the discount program work?
Saving money on health care expenses is easy with a discount program. First, members can find participating providers by using the "Provider Search" page on the Web site, (www.careington.com) or by calling (866) 222-2558. After confirming the provider's continued participation when making an appointment, members just show their membership card at the time of service. Members are responsible for paying all fees directly to the provider.
Q Can I use my membership when I travel away from home?
Yes, your membership can be used at any participating provider in the United States.
Q How does Careington get these discounts?
The discount program is provided and administered by Careington International Corporation. Careington has secured these valuable savings by partnering with some of the largest and most well known providers of health care services in the country.
Q What doctors can I go to?
You can find participating providers for the discount program by visiting the "Provider Search" Web page (www.careington.com) or calling (800) 290-0523 and pressing option 1, then option 1 again.
Q How long will it take me to get into the system after I sign up?
After you have successfully registered (either by filling out the appropriate information on the Web site or calling (866) 222-2558), you will receive your membership materials and membership cards in about 7-10 days.
Q How do I get additional membership cards?
If you need additional cards for your household, or have lost your card, please call Careington's Member Services at (800) 290-0523 and press option 1, then press option 1 again. They will be happy to send additional cards to you.
Q Can I go to a provider that does not participate?
You may go to the provider of your choice; however, you will only receive a discount by going to a participating provider.
Q There is no provider close to my home. What do I do?
While some zip code areas may have a limited number of providers, there are usually providers within a 50-mile radius of your zip code. You can refer a provider for participation in the network by visiting and selecting "Refer a Provider." The program administrator will contact the provider with information on how to apply to participate in the program. Because of the application and credentialing process, it may take 6-12 weeks before a provider is added to the network. Not all providers will agree to accept the discounted fees required by the program.
Q If my doctor or dentist refers me to a specialist who is not in the network, do I still get a discount?
You will only receive a discount by going to a participating provider. You might try printing out a list of participating providers to share with your doctor or dentist to see if he/she could recommend any of the participating specialist locations.
Q Can I use this plan even if I already have insurance?
Yes, as long as your plan isn't a PPO, HMO, or another discount plan. Just go to a participating provider, show your membership card, pay the discounted fees at the time of service and ask for a copy of your bill. Then, file the claim with your insurance company to be reimbursed by them. This reduces your out-of-pocket expenses and stretches your dollar so you reach your maximums more slowly.
You may also use the discount program for services not covered by your insurance plan. For example, many people have medical insurance, but do not have dental and vision coverage. Please remember that the discount program is not insurance and may offer discounts on many services not included in traditional indemnity plans.
Q What if I decide I don't need the plan?
You may cancel your discount plan at any time by calling (800) 290-0523, pressing option 1, then pressing option 1 again. If you cancel within the first 45 days of enrollment, you’ll receive a 100% refund, no questions asked. For cancellations after the first 45 days, members who are billed monthly will stop receiving monthly charges and members who paid the annual amount will receive a pro-rated refund.
Q What do I do if I feel the provider overcharged me?
You can send a copy of your bill and a written letter to the administrator of the Total Care program, Careington InternationalCorporation, Attn: Provider Relations, P.O. Box 2568, Frisco, TX 75034. They will investigate your inquiry, and you will be contacted regarding the findings.
Q What do I do if I have a complaint about a provider?
Please submit all issues in writing, including a copy of your bill. You may fax them to 972-335-3968, or you may mail them to Careington, Attention: Member Services, 7400 Gaylord Pkwy, Frisco, Texas, 75034. Call Member Services at (800) 290-0523 for help with any concerns you may have.
Q Once I select a provider, am I assigned to that provider? How often can I change providers?
Another great feature of the discount program is your ability to select any provider from the network. You can change providers at any time, and household members can select their own providers. Call Careington's Member Services at (800) 290-0523 for help finding participating providers or visit the “Provider Search” Web page. (www.careington.com)
Q What should I say when I call a provider to make sure they participate?
The providers will recognize the name of the network with which they participate, so when you call, it is important to use the name of the correct network.
THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE and is not intended to replace health insurance. This plan does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L. c.111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This plan is not a Qualified Health Plan under the Affordable Care Act. This is not a Medicare prescription drug plan. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and service. The plan does not pay providers directly. Plan members must pay for all services but will receive a discount from participating providers. The list of participating providers is on this website. A written list of participating providers is available upon request. You may cancel within the first 30 days after effective date or receipt of membership materials (whichever is later) and receive a full refund, less a nominal processing fee (nominal fee for MD residents is $5, AR residents will be refunded the processing fee). Discount Plan Organization and administrator: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034; phone 800-441-0380.
This plan is not available in Vermont or Washington.