Which health insurance plan is best for me?
In certain situations, when unexpected events occur, health insurance can be a great financial help. Health insurance can be a lifesaver when you’re ill, your finances are in crisis or your health is seriously endangered. You will be able to make your life easier with a good health insurance plan.
There are basically two types of insurance plans. The first is indemnity plans. This includes fee-for-services. The second is managed care plans. There are differences in the options offered by providers, the amount the policy holder must pay, and the services covered under the policy. There is no perfect or best plan, as you will always hear.
You can see that there are many plans that may be better than others. Some plans may be better for your health and medical needs. There are always some drawbacks to the health insurance plan terms. You will need to weigh the risks and benefits. Not all of these plans will cover the financial costs associated with your care.
Here’s a quick description of the types of health insurance that may be right for you and your family.
Indemnity plans
Flexible Spending Plans – These are health insurance plans that can be sponsored by any company or employer. These care plans are included in your employee benefits package. This plan includes the employer credit cafeteria, multiple options pre-tax converter plan, flexible spending accounts, tax convert plan, multiple options pretax conversion plan, and medical plans plus flexible. Ask your employer about the benefits that are included in your insurance/health care plans.
Indemnity health plans – This type insurance plan lets you choose your own doctors and other health care providers. For a monthly premium, you have the right to visit any doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider. Your insurance plan will reimburse both you and your provider for the services provided. There are options that allow you to set a limit on your individual expenses. Once that amount is met, the insurance policy will pay the entire cost. Indemnity insurance plans may have restrictions on the services that are covered. They may also require prior authorization to receive expensive services such as hospital care.
Basic and Essential Health Plans: This plan provides limited insurance benefits at a very low cost. It is important to read the policy description, which focuses on the covered services, before you decide to purchase this type of insurance plan. Some plans may not cover certain basic treatments or certain medical services like chemotherapy, maternity care, and certain prescriptions. Rates can vary greatly as premiums take into account age, gender and health status.
Health Savings Accounts: You can own and manage the money in your HSA. This is a new alternative to traditional health insurance plans. These savings products are designed to give policyholders a different way of paying for their healthcare. This insurance plan provides an opportunity to cover current medical expenses as well as save tax-free for future qualified medical or retiree health care costs. You decide how you spend your money with this health plan. All decisions are yours and you don’t need to rely on anyone or a company. Your money grows by you choosing which investment to make. You will need to sign up for an HSA and High Deductible Healthcare Plans as an additional insurance plan.
Catastrophic Health Insurance coverage – Also known as High Deductible Health plans. This is a low-cost health insurance plan that is only available if a high deductible of at least $1,000 is met for an individual expense, and $2,000 for a family-related medical expense.
Managed Care Options
Preferred Provider Organizations (Fee-for-Service) – Insurers pay the involved health care providers on a schedule and a negotiated price. If the policy holder selects an outside-network provider, the cost of services will likely be lower. However, the policy holder is generally required to pay any difference between the provider’s charges and the plan’s.
Point of service – POS insurance plans are indemnity options that allow primary care providers to refer patients to other providers. If the doctor refers to a provider outside the plan’s scope of practice, the plan will pay all or most of the bill. The plan may cover the cost of the referral, but you may have to pay coinsurance if the outside provider refers you.
Health Maintenance Organizations – It provides access to a network that includes doctors, hospitals, health care providers, and other health care facilities. The HMO may provide a list of doctors that you can choose from. This doctor will coordinate your care with the rest. For further referrals to specialists, you can speak with your primary doctor. This type of insurance policy generally has lower out-of-pocket costs. There are some instances when you might be charged a co-payment or fee for services like prescriptions or doctor visits.
Government-sponsored Health Insurance
Indian Health Services – This program is part of the Department of Health and Human Services Program and offers all American Indians medical assistance at HIS facilities. HIS also helps to pay for the costs of health care services at non-HIS facilities.
Medicaid – A federal or state program of public assistance that was established in 1965. These programs are for people who do not have the financial resources to pay for health care or private insurance policies. Medicaid is available in every state. However, eligibility levels and benefits can vary.
Medicare – Medicare is a program that covers part of the costs associated with hospitalizations, surgeries, home health care, doctor bills, skilled nursing care, and other health care services for those 65 years and older.
Military Health Care – This includes the TRICARE and the CHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services), and the CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affair). This service may also be provided by the Department of Veterans Affair (VA).
State Children’s Health Insurance Program for Children – This program is available to children whose parents are low-income and were not eligible for Medicaid.
State-Specific Plans: This plan is for those with low incomes who are not insured.
You may be able to learn about many types of insurance plans. You can learn which type of health insurance is best for you. Insurers often see insurance costs as a major drawback. It is important to weigh the benefits. Before you sign up for any type of insurance, make sure you read all the terms and conditions.
Tags: Catastrophic Health Insurance, health insurance plans