All Health Access Solutions members have access to preventive care provided through the Health Access Preventive program. However, starting in 2024, some members also have a membership with the Health Access Cooperative (sometimes called the co-op). Together, these two memberships provide a comprehensive health care solution that combines everyday preventive care with coverage for larger, unexpected medical needs.
Not sure if your membership includes the Health Access Cooperative? You can find all your membership information in your Digital Membership Packet, now available on your membership dashboard.
Here’s a closer look at how these memberships work, how they differ, and how you can use each to access essential health services.
What Is The Health Access Preventive Membership?
The Health Access Preventive membership is designed to keep you and your family healthy day-to-day. This membership provides a range of preventive services and routine medical expenses, helping you manage regular health needs without incurring high out-of-pocket costs. It’s your go-to resource for maintaining wellness and avoiding serious health issues before they arise.
With the Health Access Preventive membership, you don’t have to worry about network restrictions. Members can choose any provider for preventive services, which makes it easy to prioritize your health and get the care you need when you need it.
Learn more about how the Health Access Preventive works here.
What Is The Health Access Cooperative?
The Health Access Cooperative is designed to provide support for large, unexpected medical expenses. It is similar to traditional health insurance or a medical cost-sharing membership, but there are some key differences. As a cooperative, this membership operates on a member-centered, not-for-profit model. Members work together to access affordable health care, avoiding the high premiums and network limitations typical of traditional insurance.
Through the Health Access Cooperative, members contribute to a shared fund that can be used for significant medical needs. When you experience a medical incident—such as an emergency room visit, a surgery, or maternity care—the cooperative provides financial assistance, covering the expenses after you meet a “per-incident” member portion. Not sure what your member portion is? You can find that information in your digital membership packet.
The cooperative structure allows you to choose any provider, and you can even work with the Health Access team to find the best providers and pricing in your area. This member-cooperative approach is unique, offering benefits that prioritize care and affordability over profit.
Why Health Access Cooperative Is Better Than Traditional Insurance
The Health Access Cooperative differs from health insurance in several important ways:
- No Networks: Members can see any provider they choose, which allows greater flexibility and often means lower prices. Unlike insurance companies that restrict you to a network, the cooperative lets you select providers who best meet your needs.
- Member-Focused Pricing: By keeping overhead low and focusing on members’ needs rather than profits, the cooperative can offer lower monthly costs. Health Access Cooperative operates to serve its members, not to generate profit.
- Self-Pay Discounts: Since cooperative members are considered “self-pay” patients, they can access significant discounts with many providers. Self-pay patients can sometimes see discounts up to 80% off the price typically charged to insurance companies, saving members considerable money when paying directly.
How These Two Memberships Work Together
The Health Access Preventive and Cooperative memberships are designed to complement each other. Here’s how they work in tandem to ensure you have the right protection for both routine and unexpected medical needs.
- Routine, Preventive, and Primary Care: Use your Health Access Preventive membership for regular health maintenance, such as annual physicals, immunizations, and wellness services. This membership is focused on keeping you healthy and covers a broad range of preventive services you can easily access without network limitations.
- Unexpected or Major Medical Incidents: If you experience a significant health event—like an emergency room visit, a serious diagnosis, or pregnancy—the Health Access Cooperative steps in. After you pay a predetermined member portion, the cooperative pays the remaining eligible costs, ensuring you have financial support when you need it most.
Making the Most of Your Health Access Memberships
Together, your Health Access Preventive and Cooperative memberships offer a complete health solution, from day-to-day wellness to major medical events. By using your preventive membership for regular health maintenance, you can stay ahead of health issues and potentially avoid costly interventions. Meanwhile, the Health Access Cooperative provides peace of mind for unexpected events, offering significant financial protection and flexibility.
If you have questions about either membership or need assistance, please contact our customer support team at members@healthaccesssolutions.com or (800) 606-1135. Our team is here to help you make the most of your Health Access memberships and ensure you’re supported for all of your health care needs.