The Back-to-Basics series, presented by Barnum, is designed to answer those questions that are on everyone’s mind. This series of articles are geared toward people new to the world of personal finance, insurance coverage and more. This article focuses on how to obtain health insurance and what to expect when seeking out coverage.
Health insurance can provide the security to help you save for your health-related needs. Understanding how it works is essential whether you are buying health insurance for the first time or looking to switch policies. When searching for health insurance, it is essential to consider various factors to help you choose the best policy.
Group vs. Individual
When deciding on health insurance, it’s essential to consider whether you would like an individual or group policy. Individual plans usually cost more than group policies but offer better flexibility and more options. Group coverage is less expensive and often has lower deductibles, making it the preferred choice for most people.
As an individual, you may want to investigate a private health insurance plan that allows you to shop around and compare different policies. Alternatively, it might be the more cost-effective option if you’re lucky enough to be part of an employer-provided group plan.
The difference between the two is that with the individual plan, you’re responsible for all your medical bills and premiums, whereas, in the group plan, your employer may cover part or all of it.
If you’re part of a union or trade organization, you may also get a group plan through that association. In such cases, you may find that the plan covers more than just medical expenses.
The Different Types
Health insurance plans come in different types and levels of coverage. The most common are:
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Point of Service (POS)
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
- High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
The PPO plan is the most flexible, as it allows you to receive care from a wide range of healthcare providers. The HMO plan is more restrictive and typically requires using in-network providers only.
On the other hand, the POS plan is a hybrid between PPO and HMO plans, meaning you can choose to go out of network, but it comes with additional costs. The EPO plan is like the HMO model, but you can only see in-network providers.
Finally, the HDHP plan is a high-deductible insurance policy, meaning you will have to pay more upfront for medical expenses before your health insurer starts covering them.
Deductible Amounts
When looking for health insurance, it’s essential to consider the deductible amount. The deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in, and it can vary greatly depending on the plan you choose.
In general, higher deductibles mean lower premiums and vice versa. Be sure to research your options and weigh the pros and cons of each type of policy before deciding.
Conclusion
By understanding what to look for in health insurance, you can make the right choice for your needs and budget. With the correct information, you can obtain an affordable plan that fits your lifestyle and offers optimal coverage.
