Low Cost Health Insurance

Low cost health insurance was not available at the first time coverage was established back in the 1900's in the attempt to try to provide health care to the American population, till this time not all Americans have medical protection, due to the rise of medical care cost. Employer group insurance is provided to only those full time employees and some part time employees and may find that the cost for insurance for their families are very expensive. There are lower cost policies that are specifically designed for those seeking health insurance to cover a dependent and his family.

Policy is a contract between an insurance company and the patient, it covers the insurer /patient from any loss. The insurance company has an agreement to pay the insurer for any unforeseen illness, accident or death. The types of insurance existing include disability, liability, HMO, PPO, malpractice, property, life and health.

Disability: Is an insurance designed to cover and pay compensation to the insurer in the case of income lost due temporary or permanent illness. Disability benefits are paid to the insurer if he has been unable to work his regular job for a certain number of days, and was employed at the time of illness or injury and had disability coverage. Insurer must have been under the care of a licensed physician during the initial treatment and must continue care in order to receive benefits, the physician is to complete the claim form and insurer must make sure that the claim is submitted within the time limit. The disability claims begins on the date of disability and weekly benefits are based on a period of 12 months divided into quarters.

Liability: Is an insurance that covers losses to a third party caused by the item or object owned by the insurer, private objects such as a vehicle or on premises owned by the insurer. Reimbursements are made to cover medical expenses for the injuries, lost wages and possible payments for pain and suffering. The injured is the patient and his health insurance will pay secondary to the liability insurance for any medical care.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Is an In-Network provider providing quality comprehensive health care while maintaining cost. It's networked with a group of doctors in a center. The insurer will choose a (PCP) which will manage all the health care of the insurer. If the insurer needs to see a specialist the PCP will evaluate and refer the patient/insurer with a referral slip or authorization to see the specialist. The insured/patient is not able to see another provider outside the HMO center, their services will not be cover. The HMO concentrates on preventative health care maintenance by providing preventive services such as Diabetes classes, weight loss, early detection and providing physicals to promote good health and therefore reduces the cost of medical care. The insurer pays on a prepaid basis and only pays a co-payment when visiting his primary care physician.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Is a network of doctors that have contracts with insurance companies , employers and hospitals to provide service to patients on a fee for service. Patients are able to use a non-PPO or Out of Network provider, in exchange for higher out of pocket expense. A PPO has a yearly deductible that must be met by the patient before the insurance will pay their percentage usually 80 percent. This is known as 80/20. With every day expending internet it has become very easy to find low cost health insurance online.

Author: Brent A. Kenny