Insurance Basics: Home

Choosing a Health Plan

Your employer may offer more than one health plan, or you may be shopping for your own individual plan.

Choosing a Health Plan
How Medical Supplies and Ambulance Rides are Billed

Medical supplies and equipment, such as bandages and wheelchairs, and ambulance rides are often listed separately on bills and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms.

How Medical Supplies and Ambulance Rides are Billed
High-Deductible Health Plans

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) have lower premiums than traditional health coverage

Health Insurance ID Cards

Your health insurance ID card is your proof of insurance. You use it when you visit the doctor, hospital or other provider.

Types of Out-of-Network Reimbursement

Most health plans have a “network”, a group of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers who agree to take your insurer´s rate.

Major Life Events and Planning for Health Insurance

Sometimes you know ahead of time that a major event will happen in your life. Examples might include getting married or divorced, changing jobs or having a baby. Other times, such as at a death, you may not have advance warning.

Did You

Know

If you choose a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you´ll pay less each month than you would in a traditional plan. But, you´ll also have to pay more up front before your plan starts paying for your care.

Did You

Know

Even if your hospital takes your plan, the doctor who treats you there may not.