We know that life is uncertain and unpredictable. One blow on our health, and we are on the brink of losing our lives. What makes it difficult to cope with is the medical expenses in today’s inflation. So, health insurance comes to save your day!
Health insurance covers your medical bills, doctor’s visits, vaccination, illness treatments and other healthcare facilities. Now there are a plethora of names offering health insurance. Some are public healthcare plans, and some offer insurance privately. Best Health Insurance in the U.S
It becomes overwhelming to choose the right one that could benefit in the longer run. Every insurance plan has different services. Some cover the entire cost, and others go for co-payment. Many insurances ask you to pay deductibles.
Let’s first understand what co-payment and deductible are.
Co-Payment: It includes the insured person’s amount to pay for covered medical expenses. The insurance company then pays the remaining amount. It is usually lower for routine checkups and standard doctors. Co-payment is higher for a visit to a specialist.
Deductible: It is the amount that the insured has to pay every year before the insurance company starts covering their health expenses.
Which Insurance Should I choose?
We know that it is very important to get yourself enrolled in a health insurance program. The next step is to choose a type of insurance that fits your budget and needs.
There are two types of insurance;
HMO – Health Maintenance Organisation:
This type of insurance offers health services in a particular network of doctors and hospitals.
The cost for HMO is lesser in comparison to others. The insurance companies have a certain contract with the service providers. The amount they pay to them is less, which makes your fee less too. If you want to go out of your network, your insurance won’t cover your expenses. Also, to see a specialist, you’ll need your network doctor’s referral.
PPO – Preferred Provider Organisation:
This type of insurance opens the doors of flexibility for its consumers. You can avail services out of network as well. You can visit a specialist without your network doctor’s referral. But you’ll likely have to pay an additional cost for it.
HMO Or PPO – Which is Better?
The debate between HMO and PPO has been going on for quite a long time. We can not say which one is better than the other. But it would be safe to say that both have pros and cons. It depends on the person enrolling for insurance to choose between them.
When you’re confused between the two, you should consider a few factors that would help you decide between the two.
- HMO is more affordable. If low rates are important for you, you should consider getting them.
- HMO is better for you if you see a doctor outside your network. Or you do not travel a lot.
- When it comes to PPO, it is more towards flexibility. You can see whichever doctor you want outside the network. So if flexibility is more convenient to you than the cost, then this insurance is for you.
Most people prefer PPO because they won’t be limited to specific doctors and hospitals. They’ll have the liberty to go to better specialists and hospitals. In contrast, HMO limits them to a certain group of physicians and caretakers.
Do Doctors Prefer HMO Or PPO?
We have discussed that HMO has lower rates and PPO is more flexible, including a broad group of doctors and specialists.
When it comes to physicians and doctors, they prefer one of the plans. Best Health Insurance in the U.S.We asked them for their opinion, and most of them chose PPO over HMO. The reason is that PPO can give you a free hand and let you avail healthcare facilities outside the network.
Suppose the family travels a lot or has children outside the state and chooses PPO. It won’t be a hassle to go for any emergency checkup or doctor’s visit.
Which of the Health Insurance is the Best?
Now you know a lot about insurance plans and types. You’re willing to choose the right health care insurance for you and your family. Best Health Insurance in the U.S. But it is difficult to set your heart on anyone among the plethora of companies out there.
We have listed down a few insurance companies that provide excellent services to take you out of your dilemma.
Best Health Insurance in the USA
Aetna: The first on our list is Aetna providing affordable copays to the insured. It covers all 50 states, including Washington, DC. Best Health Insurance in the U.S. What makes it more reachable for the people that it offers HMO (Health Maintenance Organisation), beginning at $35. The healthcare benefits include hearing, dental, vision, holistic lifestyle therapies, coaching and counselling. It also covers your transportation and consists of 5,700 hospitals in its network.
Blue Cross Blue Shield:
How can we forget to include Blue shield in our list? As the name has been in the market for 80 years. The plans at their insurance company include options for HMO and PPO. If you like biweekly premiums, it will be your go-to choice ($68.48). For government employees, it also offers the Federal Employee Program. This insurance provides the healthcare benefits of vision, hearing and international care. It is available in all 50 states. It might also include holistic care in some of the states.
Cigna:
This insurance company has been providing its services globally. It has over 180 million patients around the globe. It offers ECP along with HMO and PPO plans. The benefits of services include dental, cancer treatment, heart attack and stroke. The bonus point is that in some states, their co-pays are as low as $0.
United HealthCare:
With 6500 hospitals in the ist network, this insurance company has co-pays as low as $75. It offers both HMO and PPO plans. Best Health Insurance in the U.S. The services of this company included dental, vision, Medicare plans, Affordable Care Act (ACA) programs and other services like travel expenses, accidental injuries and hospitalization.
The Bottom Line:
Since healthcare insurances are very important for each of us, there is a need to opt for a plan. We should save our children’s future by choosing the right strategy and insurance according to our needs and the kind of services we need.
