| Differences
in Health Insurance Plans |
by Brad Triggs
Health insurance plans have changed dramatically over
the past ten years, and American's currently have several
different options to choose from- including HMO's, PPO's,
fee-for-service plans, MSA's and major medical. There
are two main categories of health insurance plans that
each of these policies is classified as; managed care
plans and indemnity care plans. The differences between
each of these plans mean the differences in how you will
receive health care when you need it.
Managed care health insurance plans, mostly the HMO's,
focus primarily on prevention, and people with these types
of policies pay less for their coverage. The drawback
is that you are limited to specific health care providers.
Indemnity plans, also known as fee-for-service plans,
will cost you more- but you are completely covered no
matter what illness or accident might occur. Indemnity
plans place an emphasis on patient choice, allowing you
to choose where and when you are treated.
The newest options in health insurance plans include the
PPO (preferred provider organization) plans. These are
somewhat a hybrid between the managed care and indemnity
categories. Due to their flexibility, these plans are
becoming the most popular. PPO plans are similar to managed
care plans in that they encourage preventative care, such
as routine check ups which are covered under the plan,
but you are allowed more of a choice over what doctors
you can see.
So how do the different plans effect how you receive health
care? When you are part of an indemnity plan, you are
typically able to choose the doctor you want to see when
an unexpected illness occurs. You will have to fill out
paperwork to submit claims, and keep track of your receipts
and medical bills. If you are covered under the managed
care health insurance plans, you have a higher chance
of having your routine check ups covered, since they believe
strongly in preventative medicine. You typically are required
to choose a health care provider from a list of participating
providers, but most of the paperwork required to process
your claim is the responsibility of the insurer.
About the Author
Brad Triggs provides more information and
free insurance quotes at his website:
http://www.my-insurance-quotes.com |
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