September 24, 2013 All health plans are not built identical and there is no rule of thumb for which ones are good or not so good. The best plan for one person may not work the same for another. The best plan for you may depend on the type of health care coverage you need, whether you have family members and what their needs may be, as well as other personal considerations. Features and options vary greatly among types of plans more so than around companies providing the plans. Some things that vary amongst companies would be the cost, depending on one’s personal circumstances; some companies’ rates may be less than others. Because many people buy health insurance through their employers, that adds another variable, some companies pick up more of the health care bill than others. Since that can add up to be a bundle, it may be a good idea to ask about health benefits when searching for a job. However, you do not need to be an expert to know which plan type is best for your needs, understanding which type of plan offers the things you want should help you to determine what is best for you. A HMO is like a club for both patients and providers. Subscribers to an HMO receive medical services from participating physicians, clinics and hospitals. PPOs offer choices and access, but there is typically a cost associated with that freedom which is quite higher than HMO costs. Point-Of-Service, these plans combine characteristics of HMOs and PPOs. You choose a primary care physician who controls all aspects of care, including referrals to specialists, all care received under that physicians guidance is fully covered. Traditional Indemnity is the least restrictive option of the three main plan types. IT lets you see any licensed health care professionals for anything covered by the insurance, you choose the deductible and other options when you
September 24, 2013 All health plans are not built identical and there is no rule of thumb for which ones are good or not so good. The best plan for one person may not work the same for another. The best plan for you may depend on the type of health care coverage you need, whether you have family members and what their needs may be, as well as other personal considerations. Features and options vary greatly among types of plans more so than around companies providing the plans. Some things that vary amongst companies would be the cost, depending on one’s personal circumstances; some companies’ rates may be less than others. Because many people buy health insurance through their employers, that adds another variable, some companies pick up more of the health care bill than others. Since that can add up to be a bundle, it may be a good idea to ask about health benefits when searching for a job. However, you do not need to be an expert to know which plan type is best for your needs, understanding which type of plan offers the things you want should help you to determine what is best for you. A HMO is like a club for both patients and providers. Subscribers to an HMO receive medical services from participating physicians, clinics and hospitals. PPOs offer choices and access, but there is typically a cost associated with that freedom which is quite higher than HMO costs. Point-Of-Service, these plans combine characteristics of HMOs and PPOs. You choose a primary care physician who controls all aspects of care, including referrals to specialists, all care received under that physicians guidance is fully covered. Traditional Indemnity is the least restrictive option of the three main plan types. IT lets you see any licensed health care professionals for anything covered by the insurance, you choose the deductible and other options when you