Differences in Health Insurance Plans

by Brad Triggs

Health insurance plans have changed dramatically over the past
ten years, and American's currently have several different
options to choose from- including HMO's, PPO's, fee-for-service
plans, MSA's and major medical. There are two main categories of
health insurance plans that each of these policies is classified
as; managed care plans and indemnity care plans. The differences
between each of these plans mean the differences in how you will
receive health care when you need it.

Managed care health insurance plans, mostly the HMO's, focus
primarily on prevention, and people with these types of policies
pay less for their coverage. The drawback is that you are
limited to specific health care providers. Indemnity plans, also
known as fee-for-service plans, will cost you more- but you are
completely covered no matter what illness or accident might
occur. Indemnity plans place an emphasis on patient choice,
allowing you to choose where and when you are treated.

The newest options in health insurance plans include the PPO
(preferred provider organization) plans. These are somewhat a
hybrid between the managed care and indemnity categories. Due to
their flexibility, these plans are becoming the most popular.
PPO plans are similar to managed care plans in that they
encourage preventative care, such as routine check ups which are
covered under the plan, but you are allowed more of a choice
over what doctors you can see.

So how do the different plans effect how you receive health
care? When you are part of an indemnity plan, you are typically
able to choose the doctor you want to see when an unexpected
illness occurs. You will have to fill out paperwork to submit
claims, and keep track of your receipts and medical bills. If
you are covered under the managed care health insurance plans,
you have a higher chance of having your routine check ups
covered, since they believe strongly in preventative medicine.
You typically are required to choose a health care provider from
a list of participating providers, but most of the paperwork
required to process your claim is the responsibility of the
insurer.

About the author:
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Brad Triggs provides more information and
free insurance quotes
at his website:
http://www.my-insurance-quotes.com
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