For those who do not have health insurance provided by an employer, there is the possibility of purchasing a private health policy. Due to the ever increasing cost of health insurance premiums, it is very wise to shop around and get the best quote for your specific needs.
Unlike health insurance provide by an employer, private health plans allow you to customize your coverage based on your needs at the time of purchase. Since the cost of this coverage will depend on the services you will be paying for, you should be able to negotiate better rates by comparing several quotes. However, please keep in mind that the cost of private health insurance can be significant with no employer matching.
There are essentially two kinds of heath insurance: Fee-for-Service and Managed Care. Although these plans differ, they both cover an array of medical, surgical and hospital expenses incurred by most individuals. Most will also provide some type of prescription drug benefit and some also offer dental coverage.
The first is fee for service. These plans generally assume that the medical professional will be paid a fee for each service provided to the patient. Patients are seen by a doctor of their choice and the claim is filed by either the medical provider or the patient. The second is Managed Care Most Americans have some kind of managed-care plan. Various plans work differently and can include: health maintenance organizations (HM0s), preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and point-of-service (POS) plans. These plans provide comprehensive health services to their members and offer financial incentives to patients who use the providers in the plan.
The absolute best option for anyone navigating the health insurance market is to speak with health insurance specialists. Please use the form to the right to be contacted by up to five health insurance providers in your local area. |
