| Health Coverage Policies (or Health Insurance Plans) | | | | see in non-emergency situations if they are not |
| vary greatly depending on what type of category the | | | | in-network (authorized providers), where as with a |
| particular falls under. There are four main types of | | | | PPO you can choose to see anyone (at a higher cost |
| insurance and one of the categories contains three | | | | for those not in-network). Both have lower premiums, |
| subcategories itself. The types are as follows: Individual | | | | co-pays and control over what services are provided |
| or Self-Insurance; Indemnity plans or fee-for-service | | | | and when. Fee-for-Service Health Coverage Policies |
| plans; and finally Managed care with its subcategories | | | | offer the most freedom to choose your doctor but |
| being Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), | | | | come with high out-of-pocket costs and premiums. |
| Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Point of | | | | With POS policies, you have to choose a Primary |
| Service (POS). The categories seem simple enough | | | | Care Physician (PCP) and a referral from the PCP is |
| but choosing the best for your particular needs can | | | | required to avoid extra costs. |
| sometimes prove to be difficult. | | | | The type of Health Coverage Policy that is right for |
| Knowing what each of the Health Coverage Policies | | | | you will depend on your health issues, family size and |
| consists of can make your decision that much easier. | | | | budget. Before deciding on a policy, it is important to |
| We'll start with the most recognizable of the four: | | | | determine what your exact needs are and what type |
| Managed Care. An HMO strictly governs who you can | | | | of policy will fill those needs. |