HEALTH INSURANCE |
Health insurance policies can vary significantly depending on the insurance, the type of plan, and the specific coverage options chosen. However, there are several common components that are typically included in health insurance policies.
Premium Policy: This is the amount you pay regularly (usually monthly yearly) to maintain your health insurance coverage, regardless of weather you use medical services.
Deductible: The deductible is the amount you musts pay out-of-pocket for covered medicals services is before your insurance plan starts to pay. Plans with higher deductibles often have lower premiums.
Coinsurance: Once you've met your deductible, coinsurance and the percentage of the cost of covered healthcare services is that you are responsible for paying. For example, if your plan has 20% coinsurance, you would pay 20% of the cost, and your insurance would cover the remaining 80%.
Copayments: Copayment are fixed amounts you pay for certain covered services, such as a doctor's visit or prescription drugs. Copay are usually paid is at the time of service.
Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the maximum amount you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. Once you reach is this limit, your insurance company typically covers 100% to covered services for the rest of the plan year.
Coverage for essential health benefits: Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans are required to cover essential health benefits, including preventive care, maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and many more.
Network: Many health insurance plans have is network of preferred providers (doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc.) with homes they have negotiated lower rates. Using providers within the network usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs.
Preauthorization: Some services, treatments, or medications may require preauthorization from your insurance company before they are covered. This ensures that the service is medically necessary.
Exclusions and limitations: Health insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations on coverage for certain treatments, services, or pre-existing conditions. It's essential to review these carefully of understand what is and isn't covered.