Tips for Choosing a Health Plan and Health Insurance Company
Written by James Chan
Choosing a Health Plan
You want to be able to tailor your health plan for your specific needs. Do you use your services often or sparingly? Do you really want to stick with your doctor, or do you have no preference? Here’s a few factors to consider when browsing health plans offered to you:
Check if your doctor is included in the plan you are considering. If you have to choose a new doctor, check for his or her location, availability, and qualifications as listed on the American Medical Association’s DoctorFinder.
Check the availability of specialists through the health care plan if you have a chronic condition or your family has a history of a chronic condition.
If you have a pre-existing condition, check to see if it is covered.
Check if, and what, emergencies are covered under your plan.
Check to see what kind of preventive care measures are covered.
Weight the tradeoff between cost and coverage. Do you use medical services often? How much do you expect to use medical services in the near and long-term future?
Check the exclusion list to see what is covered.
Check for any other items covered.
Choosing a Health Insurer
Just as important as choosing a health plan is choosing your insurance company. Even within a type of health plan such as an HMO or a fee-for-service, there are significant differences between the plans offered by different companies. In addition, it’s vital that the company treats you like a human and not as Potential Loss #38. Here are some tips to select the right health insurer for you:
Check your insurer’s financial strength and long-term viability. Having the most comprehensive coverage isn’t going to do a thing if the company goes bankrupt before you need your insurance.
Check your insurer’s reputation. ConsumerReports.org (with subscription) and US News have a list of the best health care plans. Also, ask people you know if they would recommend their current health insurance plan.
Check for health care providers offered by the plan, particularly for managed care organizations. Is your doctor on their network? Are the doctors on their network good?
Check for customer service. If they are rude to you when you are asking to give them money, they will definitely be unsympathetic when you have medical bills and you need money from them.
Choosing a Health Plan
Just as important as choosing a health plan is choosing your insurance company. Even within a type of health plan such as an HMO or a fee-for-service, there are significant differences between the plans offered by different companies. In addition, it’s vital that the company treats you like a human and not as Potential Loss #38. Here are some tips to select the right health insurer for you: