You receive a higher benefit when you join a participating facility instead of a non-participating facility: You can receive up to $300 or $500 at a participating facility, while the maximum payment is $250 at a non-participating facility.

The Funds pays the participating facility directly; so the amount of your co-payment, if any, is reduced by the amount of the Fund's payment. With a non-participating facility, you must pay up front and then submit for reimbursement.

A participating facility has a contract with the Fund which guarantees its membership rates. A non-participating facility can charge whatever it wants and can change its rates at any time throughout the year.