Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FAQ Page
Have a question? We’re here to help. If you don’t see your question here or need additional information, please contact us.
General Questions
Yes. Providers are usually board-certified physicians. In some instances, a practice may offer a nurse practitioner (NP) or physician’s assistant (PA)
If it is an emergency or life threatening, seek a hospital or call for an ambulance. In most cases, your DPC or VPC should be accessible via text, email or virtually to help advocate, navigate and coordinate care. If needed, the Medical Cost Share program would kick in once the member pays their Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) in coordination with Zion Health using their customer service and ID card.
No. Typically membership rates do not change with DPC unless a provider re-negotiates their contract for some unexpected reason. Members would be notified in the event this occurs.
No. At this time, DPCs are not recognized by IRS to be paid with pre-tax or HSA payments.
No. This program is NOT insurance and does not qualify for the employer tax credits.
Our programs do not accept members 65+ however, some DPCs standalone may allow for 65+. Members would need to check with individual providers to identify.
Not unless combined with a qualified Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plan. Associations and groups may qualify for our MEC options. Individuals are not eligible for our MEC plans at this time.
Yes. We have 1-888 numbers and help desks for member convenience.
Yes. We offer both digital and hard copy formats.
There is no “open enrollment” since these are month to month programs.
Termination can be done at anytime up till the 21st of the month at midnight just like enrollment.
This is a healthy consumer advantage healthcare plan compared to traditional insurance.
Direct Primary Care (DPC)
In the United States, direct primary care (DPC) is a type of primary care service, billing and payment arrangement made between patients and medical providers, without sending claims to insurance providers.
Understanding DPC: What is Direct Primary Care?– YouTube
No. Membership is not insurance. America’s Benefits Consortium provides a healthcare membership based on the direct primary care (DPC) payment model – an innovative alternative payment model that consists of a flat and affordable membership fee. This membership provides unlimited access to primary care.
No. However, a few select providers may limit or cap the number of annual visits per member. New members should check the provider notes upon enrollment to confirm.
No. Members can select from our national directory where contracted providers are located. Also, if members have an existing primary care provider interested in working with our program, we can arrange to contract with them.
Direct primary care providers accept members regardless of any pre-existing conditions.
DPCs often coordinate care and refer to specialists when needed. No network is required, allowing members freedom to choose any specialist desired worldwide. This allows members to utilize their Medical Cost Sharing program once they have paid their initial unshareable amount (IUA) – (See Medical Cost Sharing)
Yes. With our Enhanced VPC and Premier DPC programs the Medical Cost Sharing benefit pays for medical needs once a member has paid their Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA).
Some DPCs offer x-ray in-house where others refer or recommend local arrangements at significant discounts. Members with Medical Cost Share program may choose to submit for payment if more than their Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA).
Our programs have partnered with Quest Diagnostics thru Akos MD to offer a significant direct pay national discount. Members would just need to contact Akos MD to coordinate discount at point of service.
Our Premier program is a DPC program.
Virtual Primary Care (VPC)
VPC is a new genre of primary care. It is an ongoing relationship members enjoy with the same doctor offering cost-effective care conveniently delivered online via a secure, HIPAA-compliant mobile and web app.
Understanding VPC: Video – Understanding VPC
Member Intro: Akos_VPC_Member_Introduction on Vimeo
DPC is considered “hands on” or onsite primary care where VPC is “virtual” or mobile interaction with primary care. Most DPCs offer both “hands on” and virtual services.
Virtual primary care providers often refer to “fee for service” doctors near members’ needs when required at discounted direct pay (cash pay) rates. Members also submit medical needs to be paid through their Medical Cost Sharing plan once they have paid their Initial unshareable Amount (IUA) first.
Our partner, Akos MD is a revolutionary telemedicine company providing patients virtual access to board-certified physicians 24/7/365. Simply access thru your smartphone or tablet and you can have a virtual consultation with your care navigator or physician in minutes.
Confidentiality is a top priority for Akos. Our app has been designed on a HIPAA-compliant platform so you can rest assured your information is securely and privately stored.
Each of our physicians undergo a rigorous credentialing process based upon guidelines set by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). All physicians in the Akos Preferred Provider Network are board-certified, licensed and credentialed. All Akos physicians have completed our Akos comprehensive training program.
Yes, upon enrollment you will be assigned a board-certified physician licensed in your state along with a care navigator.
When medically necessary, Akos physicians are able to prescribe a wide range of medications to treat your condition. Akos physicians do not prescribe or renew a prescription for controlled substances regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency that have been designated as U.S. controlled substances.
If our physician determines a medication is medically necessary, they can write a prescription for non-controlled medications which will be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.
Our VPC programs are the Basic and Enhanced programs.
Medical Cost-Sharing
A membership-based non-insurance arrangement established for the purpose of sharing legitimate healthcare expenses between members.
Understanding Medical Cost Sharing: Zion Health Introduction on Vimeo
Intro Slide: Resources | Zion Health | Medical Cost Sharing
IUA is the amount paid by the Member before the Zion Health community shares in Medical Expenses. This amount is also known as your personal responsibility. Zion Health has three primary levels of personal responsibility. $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. The lower the Initial Unshareable Amount, the higher the monthly sharing contributions.
Understanding the IUA: IUA 01 – How the IUA Works on Vimeo
Benefits of the IUA: IUA 02 – Why You Benefit From IUAs.mp4 on Vimeo
Member households that experience multiple needs within a 12-month rolling membership year are asked to pay up to three Initial Unshareable Amounts per year. Additional needs that meet a $500 threshold would be considered fully shareable with the Zion Health community.
Pre-existing conditions have a waiting or phase in period. Zion Health attempts to negotiate all medical bills received and many membership types include the PHCS network for pre-negotiated medical expenses.
- 1st Year of Membership – Waiting period of all pre-existing conditions
- 2nd Year of Membership – Up to $25,000 of sharing for pre-existing conditions
- 3rd Year of Membership – Up to $50,000 of sharing for pre-existing conditions
- 4th Year of Membership and Beyond – Up to $125,000 of sharing for pre-existing conditions per year
Our partner, Zion Health, recognizes that every situation is different. Zion Health reserves the right to make exceptions for certain medical conditions on a case-by-case basis provided it serves to benefit the membership as a whole. Exceptions for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes (type 1&2) will not be considered a pre-existing condition as long as they have not been hospitalized for the condition in the past 12 months and able to control through edication or diet.
No. This is not an insurance plan and is not compliant with the ACA.
Member households that experience multiple needs within a 12-month rolling membership year are asked to pay up to three Initial Unshareable Amounts per year. Additional needs that meet a $500 threshold would be considered fully shareable with the Zion Health community.
Processing a Need: Zion Health and Member Needs on Vimeo
Typically, eligible reimbursement is made to Members or payment to the providers from the Benevolent Fund is completed within 5-7 days once all documentation has been received.
There are no lifetime or annual maximum amounts eligible for sharing for most medical needs. There is no limit on the number of needs that an individual Member or household may have.
Video Learning
from our partner, Zion Health
from our partner, Zion Health
from our partner, Zion Health
from our partner, AKOS MD