New Year, New Health Insurance Coverage – A check up for your policy
January 26, 2017
Each new year brings health insurance renewals. If you have changed plans or providers, it’s wise to review your policy for key items that can impact your choices for health care. Keep your family and bottom line healthy with these five tips in clarifying your health care options and resources.
Double check that your health care plan includes your preferred doctors and providers.
If you are enrolled in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) you have a set list of providers. If you are enrolled in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), you will have a predetermined list of providers, but you are able to choose a physician outside of the list for additional costs.
Review premiums, co-pays and deductibles.
The premium is the cost you pay for the health insurance.
Health insurance plans also include co-pays for office visits, ancillary services like blood work, labs and x-rays, as well as urgent care and emergency services. Most health insurance plans have a deductible, the dollar amount you will have to pay before any medical costs are covered.
Read through the list of services provided for routine examinations, as well as prescription drug benefits.
Most health insurance plans outline what is covered during well-visits such immunizations, mammograms, pap tests.
Plans will include coverage on prescription drugs. Brand name pharmaceuticals may have a higher cost.
Double check any restrictions for coverage on urgent care or emergency services.
Some plans require a physician approval in order for the insurance to cover urgent care and emergency services.
Make sure your plan covers health care options when traveling.
Insurance plans may place geographic restrictions on care known as in-network and out-of-network. Make sure your insurance provides coverage in the areas you travel to the most, and double check the cost associated with each.
