Kinds Of Health Insurance Plans

There are a lot of different kinds of health plans. Why? Because everyone has different health needs. That's why it's important to find options to shop smart and get the plan that's best for your needs.

Let's take a look at some of the most common health plans:

Managed Care Plans

Managed care plans create "networks" of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. The care providers in the network agree to discount their medical services. For policyholders, that means lower premiums, copayments, and coinsurance.

Here are the most popular managed care plans:

• The PPO or Preferred Provider Organization. This flexible, comprehensive plan can include a range of health benefits - such as preventive care, emergency and hospital care, and prescription drug coverage. The PPO allows you the freedom to see care providers both in and out of the network. But you'll save money if you go to in-network doctors.

  If you choose a PPO with a higher deductible than $1,100 for individuals or $2,200 for families, you'll be eligible to open a Health Savings Account (HSA). With your HSA, you'll be able to save tax-free income for almost any health expense.

• The HMO or Health Maintenance Organization. An HMO is the less expensive alternative to a PPO - but there are a few more restrictions. With an HMO, you will only have insurance coverage with in-network doctors and hospitals. Many people have no problem with seeing in-network doctors - HMO networks usually include thousands of physicians in your area.

  You will also need to choose a Primary Care Physician. They will be the first doctor you see if you need care. They will also give you referrals if you need to see a specialist. Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) can include family doctors, pediatricians, internists, general practitioners, and OB/GYNs.

• The POS or Point of Service Plan. The POS plan is a combination of the PPO and HMO. Like a PPO, you'll have coverage with both in and out of network care providers - keep in mind you'll save more choosing in-network providers. Like an HMO, you'll choose a Primary Care Physician as your "first line of defense" doctor.

Traditional Indemnity Plans

Before managed care, traditional indemnity insurance was the most common kind of health plan. They are less popular today because they are more expensive than managed care plans. But they do offer some nice benefits.

• The FFS or Fee For Service Plan. An FFS plan is the most common traditional indemnity plan. It works very simply - you get medical care and it reimburses you for a portion of the cost. You don't have to worry about networks, because all doctors and hospitals are included. As long as the medical service is covered, you can see any care provider.

Choosing Your Plan

When choosing a health plan, you'll need to consider your health needs and what your budget can afford. There many details to a health insurance plan, and it's important to understand exactly what you are purchasing.

That's why it makes sense to talk with a health insurance professional. It's one of the benefits of our service. Your free quotes will be provided by licensed agents, ready to offer their expert advice.

Want to find health insurance? View your free quotes online right here.