When looking for a new Individual Health Insurance Plan it’s important to know what your looking for in your plan.
One thing you’ll want to find out is what doctors are included in the plans network. Make sure your family doctor is included in the plan.
The difference between in-network providers and out-of-network providers.
Insurance companies work with a select group of clinics, doctors, and pharmacies call in-network providers. They have agreements with these providers that state that they’ll only charge you so much for a procedure or. prescription. This helps the insurance company keep its cost down.
If your doctor is in their network and lets say you have a standard doctors visit the doctor may have a set cost that they can charge you- say $100. The insurance company knows that’s all they will charge you or them.
Now you go to another doctor for the same type of visit and they’re not included in your network. This time the doctor could charge $150, because they not obligated to charge the same amount.
Don’t worry because the insurance usually wont loose any money because they pass the cost on to you. They do this by charging you a higher co-pay or a higher percentage for the coinsurance and usually it’s both.
When shopping for your new plan you’ll want to see if your doctor will be included in their network. I’d start by contacting your doctors office and see what carriers they except. Then check with those carriers and see if they have any plans that fit your needs. If not I’d talk to your current doctor and see if they’d be willing to recommend one of the doctors in your plan.
When making a decision as important as your health insurance you’ll want to make sure you take your time and to find a plan that will meet all your needs and that you can afford.
With the Internet it’s quick and simple to get multiple quotes in a few minutes. Always check at least 2 sites prior to making your decision.
Check out these insurance sites to help you select your new Health Insurance Plan. ehealthinsurance.com and Health Plans of America.