The Various Types Of Health Insurance Plans

When choosing health insurance plans, you have a lot of options. In general, the more a plan covers and the more flexible it is, the more expensive it will be. When you compare your health insurance plan options, it is a good idea to know how often you typically visit the doctor and what type of medications you take so you can compare how much it would cost you out of pocket with each plan you are considering. You will also want to make sure your doctors accept the plan that you are considering if you don't want to have to change doctors.

One of the more flexible options for health insurance plans is the Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO, plan. Under these health insurance plans you pay a copay each time you visit the doctor, but you can visit any provider that is listed by the plan without worrying about referrals. If you want to visit someone who is outside the plan you can do so, but the percentage of the service that is covered by the insurance plan will be lower. You often have a deductible you must meet before coverage starts with this type of plan.

The next most flexible health insurance plans are the Point of Service, or POS, plans. These plans require you to choose a doctor that is within the network as your primary care doctor. You have to see this doctor whenever you need medical care, and he can refer to a specialist who is within the network if you need to see one. You still have the option to go to doctors who are not part of the network, but you will have to pay them yourself and then fill out reimbursement paperwork for the insurance company. Once again, the plan will not cover as much of the services provided by people who are not in the network.

One of the more common but less flexible options for health insurance plans is a Health Maintenance Organization, or HMO, plan. These plans tend to cost less than POS or PPO plans, but you must stick to providers within the network if you want insurance to cover the cost of the care provided, and you must go through a primary care physician for all of your care.

Another very restrictive option is the Exclusive Provider Organization, or EPO, plan. This is like an HMO, but doesn't cover out of network care and tends to have a smaller list of providers. It is typically cheaper than an HMO.

Some health insurance plans, called High Deductible Plans, feature lower monthly fees but higher deductibles. These plans are best for people who do not need to visit the doctor often and do not get sick often. If you do need to visit the doctor, you will have to pay a large part of the fees until you meet the deductible.

As with any health insurance plan, it is up to the consumer to decide what best suits the needs of their family. As shown, there are many different types of plans from which to choose. HMO, PPO, EPO, etc.. Take the time to research and pick what's right for you.

By: chickie maxwell

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