Compare Cheap Health Insurance Quotes Online

An unplanned surgery or hospital admission can cost over $30,000 for one individual without health insurance. Many patients cannot afford such an amount of out-of-pocket expenses without health insurance. Though concessions are made to lower health care, the expenses are still great for families on limited incomes. Health insurance quotes from numerous health insurance providers may be obtained from our website to protect the insured from unexpected health expenses. Our service aims to locate affordable insurance to those seeking private care.

Why Health Insurance is Necessary?

In 2009, the number of people without health insurance rose from 46.3 million to an incredible 50.7 million. Nearly 17 percent of the total population has no health insurance. And you have to keep in mind that an unplanned medical expense may wipe out your savings, put your family in financial distress or leave you without access to adequate care. Most health insurance plans are “manage care” plans. Managed care helps patients control the costs of medical expenses. The insurance will cover a significant portion of the patient’s bill, while the patient pays a percentage. This percentage may be in the form of a deductible, co-payment or monthly premium. This method of payment significantly lowers costs for patients. Several health insurance types will be discussed to help you determine your best options for health coverage.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

HMOs keep costs low by requiring individuals to pay a monthly premium for access to the physicians within the HMO network. Charges for doctors’ visits, hospital admissions, surgery, emergency care, laboratory tests, X-rays and therapy are reduced in the HMO plan as long as the physician is within the HMO network. Exceptions may be made in emergency situations. Patients may be charged a copayment for a doctor’s visit or emergency room visit. Members are only required to present their HMO card when the services are rendered. Therefore, lengthy claim forms are not required as they are in some fee-for-service plans. Since HMO cards speed the payment process, patients view this convenience as an advantage. Most patients prefer HMOs because their costs are lower than other insurance types. ,However, HMOs are more restrictive than other health insurances, because patients must select their physicians from a particular network. Since physician selection is limited, appointments may be more difficult to obtain and wait times may be longer. Patients may receive preventative care such as mammograms, physicals, immunizations, well-baby checkups and other preventative care. Outpatient mental health care may be provided by some HMOs. Most HMOs require a primary doctor for all visits. These doctors may refer the doctor to any specialists needed. This process controls costs and keeps the patient’s costs low.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

The PPO is similar to the HMO in that patients may select from a network of physicians but they may decide to take a physician outside the network. The patient will pay a lower co-payment if he remains within the network. Most patients prefer this plan because it allows freedom of choice. The health insurance company may only cover 80% of the charges whether an in-network or out-of-network physician is chosen. However, if the services cost more out-of-network, a patient’s payment will ultimately be higher. Like HMOs, no claim forms are required in most instances. The insured is simply required to show the PPO card at the time the services are rendered. Most PPOs will cover preventative care such as well baby, immunizations, mammograms, physicals and other preventative care. If you already have a physician that you are satisfied with, you may keep your physician, in most instances, when switching to a PPO. However, if the physician is outside of the network, then the insured may be required to pay more and complete some associated claim forms.

Point of Service (POS)

POS health insurance requires the patient to have a primary care physician that makes referrals to other doctors. Physicians may refer the patient in-the-network or out-of-the-network depending upon the physician’s physician’s professional opinion and assessment of the illness. Any referrals made by the physician will be covered up to the plan’s specifications. A patient may refer themselves out-of-the-network, but they may have to pay a co-payment or additional premium for the service. Self-referral plans offer patients more flexibility than the HMO plans.

Fee for Service Health Plans

This is a traditional health insurance policy that offers maximum flexibility. This type of insurance allows the insured to select any type of physician or hospital in any part of the country. Patients are allowed to change physicians as often as they wish. The insurer pays a premium, deductible and co-payment. Not all health-related expenses will apply to the insurance deductible. Claim forms may have to be completed and sent to the health insurance provider. Many physicians will complete this task for the patients. Patients must also keep track of receipts for pharmaceuticals and other out-of-pocket expenses. Basic coverage and major medical are provided under fee-for-service. Basic coverage will cover hospital services, X-rays and medications. Major medical covers long-term illnesses and injuries. When both insurance types are provided in one plan, this is known as comprehensive coverage.

How to Find Cheap Health Insurance Quotes

Patients may save money in a variety of ways. Shopping around for different quotes from insurance companies is one of the best ways to obtain cheap health insurance quotes. Our service makes this even easier. We provide you with access to insurance companies that consistently provide the cheapest health insurance quotes and recommend that you peruse our service. Patients may also save money by selecting an HMO over other more expensive options such as the PPO, POS or Fee-for-Service. Patients save money because monthly premiums and co-payments are typically lower than other insurance types. It is imperative to obtain health insurance before it is needed. Many insurance companies charge more for pre-existing conditions, such as pregnancyor illnesses like e.g. cancer. Therefore, purchase insurance while you are still healthy.

Conclusion

Because of the recession and poverty, illnesses are more likely to arise because of stress, poor diets and lack of exercise. Without health insurance, unexpected medical expenses can grow exponentially in a short period of time. Do not be one of the unfortunate ones caught without one. Search our website to obtain affordable health insurance quotes today.