If you’re looking to get a new Individual Health Insurance Plan there are it’s important to know what to look for.
Such as what doctors are in their plans network. You’ll want to make sure that your doctor is included if you have one.
What’s the difference between an in-network and out-of-network provider?
Insurance companies choose a select group of doctors, clinics, and pharmacies that they will work with. They sign agreements with them stating that the doctor or clinic will only will only charge x-amount for certain procedures. This keeps the cost down for the insurance companies.
So how this works is this. You go to your in network doctor for just a regular visit your doctor has a set price of $100 that he can charge since he’s included in your plan.
Now you visit an out-of-network doctor for the same exam. Since this doctor is not part of your plans network they can charge you $150 costing your insurance company extra money.
Most network insurance plans cover their cost by passing it on to you. They do this by either charging you a higher co-pay or a larger percentage for your coinsurance, usually both.
Make sure when shopping for your new plan that your current family doctor is included in the plan. Start by contacting your doctor to see what insurance companies they work with, then check with those companies and see if they have a plan that meets your needs. If not you may have to find another doctor. If so I’d see if your current doctor would be willing to provide you with a recommendation for a new doctor.
To get the best deal make sure you shop several insurance companies. I recommend checking with at least 2 brokers who work with multiple insurance companies so they can get you several quotes at one time.
These are my top choices for assisting you in Choosing your new Individual Health Insurance Plan. Insuranceagents.com, ehealthinsurance.com.