Health insurance plans

Health insurance plans can be public as well as private insurance policies. They can different options for all kinds of health care needs. There are health insurance plans that are PPOs, HMOs and individual plans. There are special health insurance plans just for children and people over the age of 65. These plans can have varied deductibles with a maximum that has to be met each year. There are some health insurance plans that have a maximum amount that is to be paid out over the lifetime of an individual. Purchasing the best insurance plan can become quite confusing and it is necessary to really understand the policy you are buying. If you work for an employer who offers health insurance you may only have one plan to choose from or your employer may offer more than one plan to choose from. It all depends on your particular employer.

Some of the most popular health insurance plans are offered in America are sold by Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, UniCare, Humana One, Kaiser and American Medical Security to name a few. These health insurance plans offer family coverage, children’s health insurance plans, and supplemental insurance for people over 65 years of age. Health insurance plans offered through your employer is usually less expensive than buying your own individual insurance plan. Individual states also offer health insurance plans for those who are eligible for federal plans.

Some factors to consider when purchasing health insurance plans are co-payments, out-of-pocket expenses, exclusions, lifetime maximum, waiting periods, coordination of benefits, grace periods, etc. Monthly premiums can vary according to your age and the number of people in your family being insured. You will need to know and understand such terms as premiums, limits of liability, policy limits, coverage periods, etc. You may also be able to take advantage of a tax advantaged health saving accounts to help cover the cost of deductibles. With some health insurance plans you will be able to choose your own doctor. Others, such as an HMO, will require you only go to specific doctors on the plan.

Health insurance plans can cover such things as preventative health care, routine lab work, emergency room visits, ambulance coverage, and prescription drug coverage. Women need to make sure the health insurance plan they purchase will give them obstetrician/gynecologist coverage and pregnancy coverage. You will need to know what your plan covers in regard to hospital stays, chiropractic care, mental health care, in home care etc. Some health care plans cover vision and dental care as well. All of the good health care plans will offer coverage for such things as drug and alcohol counseling and services, chronic long term diseases, physical therapy and psychiatric care. Once you purchase your health care insurance you should read over the policy and get to know what the plan covers for elective surgeries and planned hospitalizations.

Before purchasing health care coverage you should compare premiums and deductibles if you have an option. However, a group health insurance plan through your employer may not give you options. With the high cost of medical treatments and prescription drugs it is makes sound financial sense to purchase health insurance. In fact, many people have gone bankrupt due to the high cost of health care. The main reason for filing bankruptcy in America is due to unexpected medical expenses. New health care reform has been passed that will help make obtaining health insurance plans much more affordable and available to all in the near future. With the new legislation no one will be barred from obtaining health insurance policies as well. This is good news since people with pre existing conditions could find it almost impossible to buy health insurance plans.

Last updated on Mar 3rd, 2012 and filed under Health Insurance. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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