Health Insurance Types in the USA
When do I need health insurance?
If you are not covered as a trustee under another person's health plan, such as a spouse/parent or parent, it is a good idea to have health insurance. A health insurance plan can help you manage your health care needs, as well as costs.
The cost of health care without coverage can be huge.
Types of health insurance in USA
What are the different types of health insurance?
Different types of health insurance, including:
Nutrition organizations (HMOs)
Specialty Providers (EPOs)
Point-of-service (POS) programs
Preferred provider organizations (PPOs)
Not sure which types of health insurance are best for you? The following is a general description of each type of health system.
What are health care organizations (HMOs)?
HMOs, provide you with a network of participating physicians, hospitals, and other health care professionals and facilities to choose from. These types of health insurance plans also require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) on the network. Your PCP is your home base for medical care. They can also help coordinate all of your care. They will also need to provide you with referrals to see in-network professionals. The cost of an HMO program — copays and coinsurance - is usually lower than other health plans, as long as you stay on the network.
Which organizations provide specialty (EPOs)?
EPO provides you with a network of participating providers to choose from. Most EPO programs do not involve the installation of offline care unless there is an emergency. This means that if you visit a provider or place outside the system area network, you will have to pay the full cost of the services yourself.
Depending on the plan, you may or may not need to choose a primary care provider (PCP). If you want to see a specialist in your network, you do not need to be sent from a PCP.
What is the point of a service plan (POS)?
Service plan points include HMO and PPO program features. The provider's network is much smaller than the PPO plan and the cost of in-network maintenance is generally lower, such as HMO. POS programs also require you to select a primary care provider (PCP) within a network of doctors and other primary care professionals. Your PCP is your home base for care and advice. They know you and your health needs and can help coordinate all of your care.
If you need to see a professional, you need to be referred. However, as a PPO, you can also choose to see professionals on or off the network. If you see a doctor outside of the system network, your cost ratio will be higher and you will be responsible for filing any claims yourself.
What are popular provider organizations (PPOs)?
PPOs usually provide you with a large network of participating providers to have more doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals and facilities to choose from. You can also choose to see providers from outside the system network, but you will pay more out of pocket.
Choosing a primary care provider (PCP) is not required for these types of health plans, and you can see specialists without a referral.
What types of health insurance are best for me?
Start by understanding your specific health care needs:
If you are in good health and do not visit your doctor often, high-cost health insurance plans often have lower insurance premiums and can help you save money.
If you need or expect more than preventative care, consider low-cost programs and financial guarantees, with unforeseen costs.
I have an incurable disease. What types of health insurance are best for me?
Chronic conditions may require conventional medicine and frequent appointments of doctors, even expensive hospital stays and/or surgery. Think of a health plan that helps to reduce out-of-pocket expenses based on your expectations for doctor care, visits to specialists, medication, etc.