| Getting an affordable health quote if you're self | | | | you're allowed to see a network specialist without |
| employed can be a real hassle. However you can find | | | | your primary physician's permission. If you see a |
| affordable rates if you know where to look and how | | | | non-network specialist you may have to pay the entire |
| to structure your insurance. Here's how ... | | | | bill, pay the difference between network charges and |
| An Affordable Health Insurance Plan | | | | what the specialist charges, or pay a deductible. |
| The first thing you need to do is figure out what type | | | | 4. POS (Point-Of-Service) plans cost more than PPOs |
| of plan will best suit your needs. There are four basic | | | | and less than FFSs, and are a combination of the two |
| plans to consider: | | | | plans. These plans provide you with a network of |
| 1. FFS (Fee-For-Service) plans, also known as | | | | physicians who will treat you. Your copayment is about |
| indemnity plans, are the most expensive health | | | | the same as that of a PPO, but you can see a |
| insurance plans and involve the most paperwork. With | | | | non-network physician and the plan will reimburse him |
| these plans you can choose your own doctor and | | | | or her. |
| your own hospital. Deductibles average $500 to $1,000 | | | | Getting an Affordable Quote |
| and you'll be responsible for 20% of the bill. | | | | In the good ol' days, prior to the Internet, you could |
| 2. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are | | | | spend half your life visiting local insurance companies |
| the least expensive and the least flexible health | | | | or calling insurance agents on the phone to get health |
| insurance plans. HMOs provide you with a network of | | | | insurance quotes. Now, thanks to the Internet, getting |
| doctors which you must see. You'll be required to pay | | | | quotes is a piece of cake. |
| a small copayment, usually $5 to $15 for each doctor | | | | You can go to an insurance comparison website, fill |
| visit, and you need permission from your plan's primary | | | | out a single questionnaire, and get quotes from |
| care physician to see an in-network specialist. | | | | different companies. Some of the better sites even |
| 3. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans cost | | | | have an insurance expert who will answer all your |
| slightly more than HMOs but are more flexible. | | | | health insurance questions online. |
| Copayments are about the same as an HMO's, and | | | | |