How to Choose a Health Care Plan

A health care plan is designed to help people cover all or part of their medical costs should they get sick. Health care plans are offered via employment, the government and the private sector. Choosing a health care plan is an important decision. The right health care plan can help you save money and give you access to important lifesaving treatment.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine how much you must pay for the plan each year. Most medical plans can be paid weekly or yearly. If you are getting medical benefits from your employer, you will typically pay for them each paycheck. Your plan provider should be able to provide you with a list of costs in writing.

• 2

  Determine what co-pays are required. Co-pays are additional payments you make if you want to see a doctor or buy a prescription. Co-pays may also be required if your doctor orders certain tests such as a CT scan (formerly CAT scan) or blood tests. Your plan provider will provide you with a list of required payments.

• 3

  Determine if there is a deductible. A deductible is a sum of money that must be paid before you can access services. You are often responsible for meeting this payment before insurance coverage kicks in each year. Some plans do not have any deductibles. Unlimited coverage begins the moment you start paying for the plan.

• 4

  Determine which conditions are covered and which are not. Some plans exclude coverage for conditions that exist before you started paying for the policy. This may include diseases such as infertility and diabetes. Make sure you understand what exclusions exist in the policy before you start paying for it.

• 5

  Determine which doctors you can visit and which hospitals you can use. Many plans will pay for doctors' services if they are within a specific network. If you go out of the network, you may have to pick up part or all of the costs. The same applies to hospitals. You should get a detailed list of participating providers from the insurance company first.

• 6

  Determine if the plan offers a prescription benefit. Prescriptions can account for a large percentage of your medical bills. Find out if the plan covers medications that you are currently taking. Some plans may require you to accept genetic equivalents to gain coverage. Find out from your doctor if such genetics are an acceptable treatment.

• 7

  Determine what additional services the plan provides. Some medical plans offer services that might not be covered under typical medical plans including treatment for infertility, glasses and hearing aids. If members of your family need such services, you save money by paying a little bit for the benefit.