If you are currently in the process of purchasing a private health insurance or are opting into an employer-sponsored plan, it’s very important to think about your options so you can avoid committing to a plan that doesn’t really fit your needs. The following plans below are the basic forms of health insurance.
Point of Service (POS): If you take principles form Health Maintenance Organization and Preferred Provider Organization and combine those two together you will get the Point of Service health insurance plan. When having this plan you are required to choose a primary care physician (PCP) but you will still have the freedom to visit any out of network specialist doctor that you choose. If choosing to see a specialist without a referral from your PCP, you might have to pay the full cost, but if you get the referral your visits will be covered under the insurance.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): With this insurance plan they operate on a network model that is similar to HMO but will allow patients to be able to venture out of the network. You will still save money by visiting any in-network provider, and while having a PPO plan it provides only a percentage of coverage for out-of-network providers also.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): If you are worried about spending too much money, having a HMO plan could be your best option, but keep in mind it does have restrictions. Doctor visits are covered only in you choose a PCP that is within your company’s network. The doctor is responsible for all medical care, and this does include referrals to other specialist. This plan is affordable and predictable and it does involve filling out some paperwork.
If you’re still having trouble deciding what health insurance plan will work best for your family, contact your insurance agent at Brazelton Insurance Group and they will be able to help find you the plan that will best fit your health needs.