How to Compare Health Insurance Programs

Choosing the right health plan is a major decision.

Health insurance coverage directly affects both personal health and finance, making it doubly important to get it right. The correct coverage provides the care you and your family need while keeping costs in an acceptable range.

Premiums and Deductibles

Include monthly premiums in your overall budget and note the deductible, what you must pay out-of-pocket before coverage begins. Compare the cost of a higher premium and little or no deductible if you visit doctors often and a lower premium plan with a higher deductible if you don't.

Note Coverage

Note what is covered, and to what extent, after deductibles. Some plans cover doctor visits and prescriptions in full. Other cover only a percentage of these costs. Examine separate deductibles which companies may apply to specific tests and procedures, like x-rays.

Research Company

Research the quality of the health care companies. You will see how satisfied their current customers are with coverage and customer service. The National Committee for Quality Assurance rates health plans based on quality.

Doctors

Some plans only offer full coverage to patients who use certain doctors. If seeing your regular doctor is important, make sure his practice has a relationship with your plan. The same applies to hospitals.

References

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Choosing a Health Plan
• U.S. News & World Report: How to Choose a Health Plan--12 Helpful Tips

Resources

• NCQA: Choosing Quality Health Care