What You Need to Know About Health Insurance

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Many people don’t know much about his health plan. They think that it is better to have a cheaper plan than an expensive one. They also think that it is not necessary to read all the little lines of the health insurance contract. In the end they will be very damaged.

health insurance

So, I will outline here some aspects of health insurance that all people should know. In the end there is a link of a handbook about

health insurance provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research ans Quality of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.




Why do you need health insurance?

You need health insurance because you cannot predict what your
medical bills will be. In some years, your costs may be low. In other
years, you may have very high medical expenses. If you have health
insurance, you will have peace of mind in knowing that you are
protected from most of these costs. You should not wait until you
or a family member becomes seriously ill to try to purchase health
insurance.

What is group insurance?

Group health insurance is typically offered by employers. Or, if you
are a member of a union, professional association, or other group,
you may be able to get group coverage through that organization.
Some employers allow employees to choose between several plans,
including both indemnity insurance and managed care. Other
employers offer only one plan. Some group plans offer dental
and/or vision benefits as well as medical benefits. So it is important
to compare plans to find the one that offers the benefits you need
most. Once you enroll in a health insurance plan, you usually
cannot change to another plan until the next open season, usually
set once a year.

Differences between insurance plans?

Insurance plans differ greatly from one company to another and,
within an insurance company, from one plan or product to another.
Some plans have multiple products (options) from which you can
choose; read carefully through the “fine print” to be sure you
understand the various choices.

Which type of insurance plan is right for you?

Whether you are eligible for group insurance or choosing an
individual plan, you should carefully compare costs and coverage.
Be sure to compare:
1. Premiums.
2. Coverage/benefits.
3. Access to doctors, hospitals, and other providers.
4. Access to after hours and emergency care.
5. Out-of-pocket costs (coinsurance, copays, and
deductibles).
6. Exclusions and limitations.
Even if you do not get to choose your health plan—for example, if
your employer offers only one plan—you still need to understand
your coverage.

What kind of services are covered by the plan? What
steps do you need to take to get the care you and your family
members need? When do you need prior approval to ensure
coverage for care (for example, elective hospitalization for scheduled
surgery)? How are benefits paid; do you have to submit a claim?

Make sure you understand how your plan works. Don’t wait until
you need emergency care to ask questions.
Many other thing you will see in the official handbook about health insurance

provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research ans Quality of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services..

Download here the health insurance manual.

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