| Health Insurance costs have gone through the roof in | | | | out-of-network doctors. Visits within the network |
| recent years, but finding an affordable health insurance | | | | require a small fee, while out-of-network visits may |
| plan may not be as hard as you think. Here are simple | | | | require a deductible payment and a co-payment. |
| explanations of the four basic plans and you can save | | | | 4. Medicare Supplement - This plan is for people 65 |
| money on them. | | | | and older. It covers costs and expenses not covered |
| Health Insurance Plans | | | | by Medicare. |
| There are four basic types of health insurance: | | | | Choosing an Affordable Health Insurance Plan |
| 1. Point of Service (POS) Plan - Also called an | | | | The first thing you have to do is to figure out which |
| indemnity plan, this is the most expensive plan. It's for | | | | health insurance plan is best for you. |
| people who want to choose their own doctor and | | | | If you want the most flexibility, then a POS plan is your |
| hospital. It's the most flexible plan because it allows you | | | | best bet. If you want the cheapest plan and don't don't |
| to make your own decisions about your health care. | | | | mind your doctors being chosen for you, then an HMO |
| You pay your bill after services are rendered and are | | | | is what your looking for. If you want more freedom of |
| then reimbursed by your insurance company. | | | | choice than an HMO and are willing to pay a little more |
| 2. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - This is the | | | | for your insurance, then a PPO is a good choice. And |
| cheapest plan. It provides you with a network of | | | | if you're a senior and want to supplement your |
| doctors and hospitals chosen by your insurance | | | | Medicare insurance, then a Medicare supplement is |
| company. You pay a monthly fee for this plan and all | | | | what you need. |
| visits and prescriptions must be approved by your | | | | After you choose a plan, the best way to find the best |
| HMO. | | | | rate is to go to an insurance comparison website |
| 3. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) - This is the | | | | where you can compare rates from a number of |
| most popular plan. It's similar to an HMO, but you pay | | | | different companies. The better comparison sites even |
| for medical care after it's received instead of paying a | | | | have a chat feature where you can talk online with an |
| monthly fee. You also have the option of seeing | | | | insurance expert and get answers to your questions. |