As used in this part, the term:(1) “Discount plan” means a business arrangement or contract in which a person, in exchange for fees, dues, charges, or other consideration, provides access for plan members to providers of medical services and the right to receive medical services from those providers at a discount. The term does not include any product regulated under chapter 627, chapter 641, or part I of this chapter; any medical services provided through a telecommunications medium that does not offer a discount to the plan member for those medical services; or any plan that does not charge a fee to plan members. Until June 30, 2018, a discount plan may also be referred to as a discount medical plan.
(2) “Discount plan organization” means an entity that, in exchange for fees, dues, charges, or other consideration, provides access for plan members to providers of medical services and the right to receive medical services from those providers at a discount. Until June 30, 2018, a discount plan organization may also be referred to as a discount medical plan organization.
(3) “Marketer” means a person or entity that markets, promotes, sells, or distributes a discount plan, including a private label entity that places its name on and markets or distributes a discount plan but does not operate a discount plan.
(4) “Medical services” means any care, service, or treatment of illness or dysfunction of, or injury to, the human body, including, but not limited to, physician care, inpatient care, hospital surgical services, emergency services, ambulance services, dental care services, vision care services, mental health services, substance abuse services, chiropractic services, podiatric care services, laboratory services, and medical equipment and supplies. The term does not include pharmaceutical supplies or prescriptions.
(5) “Member” means any person who pays fees, dues, charges, or other consideration for the right to receive the purported benefits of a discount plan.
(6) “Provider” means any person or institution that is contracted, directly or indirectly, with a discount plan organization to provide medical services to members.
(7) “Provider network” means an entity that negotiates on behalf of more than one provider with a discount plan organization to provide medical services to members.
