The importance of family health insurance programs is paramount. If a family has coverage for the children only and one or both parents suffer an illness, it is quite possible that the adult will delay medical treatment due to the rising cost of health care. Due to this decision, they put their health at severe risk potentially leading to a life threatening illness or the inability to work and/or care for the children. For this reason as well as several others, it is important for a family to consider health insurance coverage for all members.

What types of programs are available for family health insurance?

Family health insurance programs have changed from indemnity plans to managed care plans. The difference between them being indemnity insurance would allow you to go to a medical professional of your choice and both the patient and insurer would pay a portion of the bill. With managed care plans you have different options available such as, Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and Point of Service plans (POSs). Each of these plans offer different types of benefits and it is important to research what they offer and match them to the needs of your family.

Family insurance plans differ in both the amount you will be required to pay and the type of services offered. It is essential to know exactly what you need and to be careful not to purchase a plan that offers services that will not be of benefit to your family. As with your growing family, insurance plans change from year to year so it is imperative to review the coverage you selected periodically.

Where can you find family insurance programs?

There are different types of policies available such as group and individual plans. You can learn more about group plans that cover insurance for your family through your place of employment or talking with a friend or family member who already has this type of coverage. With a group plan, you can choose the appropriate policy for your family and if necessary change it once during the open enrollment period (within 12 months of acquiring the policy). It is important when making your decision that you choose exactly what is best for your family because once you do you have to stay with that plan for the next year.

You may work for a company that does not offer group plans or are self-employed. In this situation, you can look into individual policies. These types of policies are normally more expensive than group plans so do your research wisely. In addition, if you are a member of an organization consider contacting them. Often times they offer health plans for their members.

What is the importance of pre-existing conditions?

Whichever plan you choose the insurance provider will inquire as to any pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is an illness or injury that you or a family member have been treated for prior to applying for the current insurance program you are interested in. The rules are changing regarding pre-existing conditions. In the past, there would be a waiting period before receiving insurance coverage for a pre-existing condition. Today insurance companies may choose to cover a pre-existing condition without a waiting period depending on the coverage you had with another plan. If you were not you may be required to go through a waiting period.

Do not settle on the first plan you encounter during your search of family health insurance programs. Take your time, research, and talk to co-workers, friends, and family. When you have made your decision relax in knowing the best insurance for your family is in place.



By: Mike Singh

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In a country like the United States, if you do not want to be buried in debt; you need a good health insurance for yourself and your family. Whether you are an employee or self-employed, it is necessary that you have a good health insurance coverage to cover your medical bills. However, there is no unique health insurance plan good for every one; benefits and costs vary from an individual to another (due to age, medical condition, etc.). To make a good choice, you need to know what benefits you are looking for, and examine each plan to find the one that best responses to your needs.

Although you have many options in choosing your health insurance, finding the right plan can be difficult. In general, individual health insurance is a form of contract between you and an insurer (insurance company )to repay all or almost all of your medical bills, which may includes hospitalization, medications, dental care, seeing a specialist, and certain therapies (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc.).  Whatever your needs, you will most likely have to choose one of these plans, Fee-for-service, HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), or (PPOs) participating provider organization.

Fee-for-service – also known as indemnity plans, is a type of insurance plan where you, patient, have to pay all medical expenses out of your own pockets, and then request a reimbursement from your insurance company. These types of plans have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages: they offer more flexibility in choosing your own doctor. You can decide the time to see your health care provider, and what type of treatment you want; as long as you remain in the limit that your insurer will repay

Disadvantages: in indemnity plans, most doctors require upfront payment, so you have to submit claim forms to the insurance company to receive a reimbursement. That requires paper work, and sometimes many phone calls. Fee-for-service plans offer limited benefits; they do not cover annual physical exam and educational programs.

HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) – Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are managed care plans that offer health care coverage to their members through hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers that are in their network. That is, having their service, you are limited to members of their network.

Advantages: unlike Fee-for-service plans, you do not have to pay up front; although some of them require a copayment. You do not need to submit forms after forms to receive reimbursement. In addition, HMOs usually charge a lower cost.

Disadvantages: you can use only health care providers who are associated with the organization. Most HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) tend to disapprove certain treatments. Although some HMOs accept their members to see physician or specialists who are not in their network, they often charge you additional costs.

(PPOs) participating provider organization – also known as Preferred Provider Organizations,  is a form of managed care organization of physicians , hospitals, clinics and other health care providers that sign a contract with an insurer to provide health services to its member at reduced rates .  Usually, PPOs cost more than traditional HMOs, but offer more options to their members.

Advantages: Preferred Provider Organizations provide more flexibility to their members; they have a bigger network of doctors and hospitals. You can take service from health care providers that are not part of their networks (certain charges often apply). You pay Lower copayments for care from primary care physicians. In addition, you do not need a referral to see a specialist.

Disadvantages: PPOs cost more than traditional HMOs. You will more likely to make co-payments (usually from $10 to $30) when you visit a health specialist.

Do some health insurance companies offer better service to their members than others?

Yes. Some insurers offer better service to their members. To learn more about health insurance companies that provide satisfying individual health insurance plan in the US, visit our top rated list visit careand.com, or click on the link in About Author/Resource box.



By: Remy Vixamar

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