Picking your health insurance every year is one of the most important decisions you make. It affects the type of health care you will get for the following year. It can be a very long year if you make a terrible choice. You have to choose something you can afford to provide the coverage you need. At Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX, we have been providing quality service for more than 30 years. We work for our customers and are not beholding to any one insurance carrier. 

What is managed care? 

Managed care is the most common type of health insurance currently offered. There are three major types; HMO, PPO, and POS. When making your health insurance choice, it is essential to understand the difference between them. Some are more restrictive than others, and the costs are also different. You may need a primary care physician to manage your care. 

What is a network?

The network is the medical provider your insurance carrier has contracted to provide services. The prices are agreed upon in the contract. This includes doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical professionals who may provide you with services. With some managed care organizations, you must receive your service within the network, or services are not covered. 

Should I opt for a high-deductible policy?

With a high-deductible health insurance policy, you will need to pay the deductible before medical services are paid for. This means many out-of-pocket expenses, but the monthly premium will be lower. You can start an HSA (health savings account) to save money before taxes to help pay for the services that your insurance doesn’t pay for. 

Contact Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX when you are ready to discuss your health insurance.

When most people in Houston, TX are shopping for health insurance, they mainly think about the cost of the premium. They may also consider the full cost of the plan, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. However, it is just as important to consider the value that health insurance provides. If you have questions, feel free to contact Insurance Over Texas to learn more.

Discount Rates

Health insurance providers directly negotiate costs with hospitals and health care providers. Then, the rates are included in the health care plan. Some plans will only negotiate rates for in-network medical care providers, while others will offer negotiated rates for out-of-network providers. All health insurance plans provide coverage for emergency services regardless of whether the care received was from an in-network provider.

The amount charged by health care providers is typically higher than the negotiated rates. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits that will include a breakdown of the costs, including:

• The amount the provider usually charges
• The negotiated cost
• How much was paid by your insurance policy
• The amount that you owe that was not covered

Cost Sharing

Health insurance plans feature an out-of-pocket maximum and an annual deductible. The deductible is the amount that must be paid before the insurance company takes over the responsibility for the costs. Once the out-of-pocket maximum is reached, the insurance company will pay the remainder of the medical expenses.

Preventative Care Coverage

Health insurance plans offer complete coverage for preventative care. When doctors can identify a health problem in the early stages, they can begin treatment to prevent the progression of the problem. This will save you a lot of money by avoiding expensive treatment bills for preventable issues.

To find out more ways health insurance can save you money in Houston, TX, contact the experts at Insurance Over Texas today. Give us a call today.