A new retail deal could help improve the reputation of programs that split access to preferred provider networks from health insurance.[@@]
Some regulators have questioned whether some health discount card sellers really have arranged for purchaser access to provider networks, and some providers have refused to offer negotiated network discounts to card holders.
Now Sam's Club, a unit of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Bentonville, Ark., has thrown its clout behind the card concept by agreeing to market a discount card program organized by HealthAllies, Glendale, Calif., a unit of UnitedHealth Group Inc., Minnetonka, Minn.
