Guide to Individual Health Insurance
.png)
Here is a general guide to individual health insurance that you can refer to when choosing a plan. And do not forget these important dates regarding open enrollment for 2016.
Provider Networks
When selecting a health insurance plan, it is important to verify the plan's provider network of doctors, hospitals, nurse practitioners, therapists, and other health care providers. It is equally important to understand what is not covered as well. Understanding your plan's provider network helps you save money, receive better care, avoid unexpected fees and costs, and be happier with the care you receive.
Out-of-Network Care
You are not restricted to health care providers in your network, but should you decide to use one outside of your network, health insurance will cover less resulting in a higher out-of-pocket cost for you, except in the case of emergencies.
Provider No Longer in Network
If your health care provider leaves your network, you will generally need to find a new doctor inside the network, and most plans will assist you in doing so. As a rule, a health plan's continuity of care policy allows a patient to continue care with a doctor no longer in the network for a certain period of time at the lower cost-sharing rate.
Cost-Sharing Requirements
Each plan has different cost-sharing requirements. Typically, your overall share of costs is a combination of the premiums you pay plus any other co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles for which you are financially responsible.
How to Find a Doctor
In most cases, the plan you choose will have a list of doctors who accept your insurance. The Medical Board of California offers some great tips on choosing a doctor:
- Ask friends, family or co-workers about physicians they like.
- Ask your county medical society or association for names of physicians in your area.
- Once you have some names, call and ask if the doctor is accepting new patients and whether they accept your insurance plan.
- Check with the Medical Board to verify the physician has a current California license.
- Meet with the physician and consider having a physical done to determine if this is the doctor for you and your family.
.png&description=Guide to Individual Health Insurance){kind=link}
0 Comments