When it is time to select your medical insurance coverage there are several key elements that should be examined before you decide which coverage is right for you and your family. The most important of these elements is the cost. In an ideal world you would get as much coverage as you possibly could for you and your family, but you must weigh the cost of the coverage against the benefit that it is providing. This is just one piece of the puzzle however, here are several other things to look at before a decision is made.
You cannot make a decision if you do not know what your options are. Your first step should be to get as much information about the available plans from your companys HR department. Do not be surprised if the primary plan that is offered is a PPO, since this is one of the most common plans in America today.
A PPO will usually require you to visit in network doctors, and go to in network hospitals, or they will not cover the cost. You will have to pay a monthly premium to your insurance company, which will be used to determine how much coverage you will receive. When you go to the doctor you will only have to pay a small co-pay, but when you have to go to the hospital your insurance company will only pay a pre-determined percentage of the bill, based on your monthly premium. The rest of the hospital will be your responsibility.
You can even pay for band aids and sunscreen out of these accounts. HSAs roll over your saved money each year. FSAs do not, although you can pay for childcare out of this pre-tax saving program. Some employers match whatever income you put in your HSA or FSA, making a HDHP particularly cost effective. Deductibles for HDHP insurance are usually lower than PPO plans.
No matter which plan you choose, it is important to get information. Call your human resources department and ask questions. Insurance is one of your family’s most important expenditures. When your family’s health is on the line, you cannot leave any question unanswered.
Leave a comment