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A Few Words About Health Insurance
By Krista Farmer
If your health, well-being and pocketbook are three things that are important to you,
you probably understand the significance of health coverage. “But I don't go to the
doctor a lot,” you say. While you may not make many trips to the doctor, you never
know when a medical emergency that could cost you thousands of dollars will occur; this
is where health insurance steps in.
To help you better understand your health insurance policy, let's define some terms you
will need to be familiar with.
Copayment - You are required to pay this amount towards medical bills according
to your health insurance policy. Your policy will list whether or not this is a dollar amount
or a percentage.
Deductible - total amount you will pay before your health insurance company
takes over your insurance payments.
Excess major medical policy - This type of policy has a very high limit
as well as a high deductible and could provide up to $2 million of financial protection.
Other possible highlights include nursing home benefits or home health care.
Health maintenance organization (HMO) - HMOs encourage preventative care
and strive to provide health care to its members at affordable prices. To do this, the HMO
tries to stay away from deductibles or copayments. Most HMOs have their own private clinics
and staff. Only visits to staff within the HMO network are covered by the policy.
Major medical - Severe or extreme health problems.
Major medical policy - This insurance policy covers most serious medical
expenses up to a set maximum limit.
Managed care - Simply put, the purpose of managed care is to manage costs
and make sure insurance premiums are affordable. Because cost efficiency is the main focus
of managed care, medical decisions are made by the individual's insurance provider. Out-of-pocket
maximum - This figure is the greatest amount of covered medical and surgical expenses
you might have to pay each year. It limits what you will pay at the end of the year between
copayments and deductibles.
Preferred provider organization (PPO) - PPOs provide health care services
at a reduced cost. PPOs are typically more flexible than HMOs and allow policy holders to
visit out-of-network professionals. While HMOs own their own clinics, PPOs do not.
Glancing over these definitions will put you on the right track to understanding your health
insurance policy. Still have questions? Be sure to contact your insurance provider if you're
not sure about something in your policy. Uncertainties about your health insurance should
never be neglected.
Health insurance is your key to financial security in the event of a medical catastrophe.
Because medical emergencies are not predictable, it is important that you prepare for health
coverage today!
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