Elizabeth Said:

I have an HMO health insurance plan for my wife and I. I hear people say bad things about HMO's. Why is this

We Answered:

I thought my doctor was an HMO, but turns out he was just really stylish and fabulous.

Vera Said:

Is Kaiser HMO a good health insurance plan to buy?

We Answered:

Kaiser Permanente was the first Health Maintenance Organization growing out of the public works projects developed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to help the US out of the 'great depression'. HMOs in general are a problem and if you have another choice then I would tend to steer clear of HMOs. HMOs make money by delaying and denying services and perhaps the only exception is if you have a good physician on the 'inside'. If you have great faith in your physician and if that physician is able to press the HMO to provide you with proper care then it may turn out OK. In general however HMOs are never a good idea for the patient. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very best of health and in all things may God bless.

Ivan Said:

what is the difference between HMO & HSA & PPO health insurance plans? and which one is better to have?

We Answered:

The basic differences:

With an HMO you must select a primary care doctor, and must get referrals from that doctor to see a specialist. If you want to change primary care doctors you must first notify the insurance company and cannot see the new doctor until the change has been processed. You cannot go outside of the doctor network except in emergencies. In general, the premium will be higher but your cost when you use medical services will be lower.

With a PPO you do not have to select a primary care doctor and you do not have to get a referral to see a specialist. You can go outside of the network although your cost may be higher.

An HSA is just a PPO that has a higher deductible and allows you to open up a health savings account that works much like an IRA.

My advice would be to visit a local agent that works with Kaiser as well as all of the other major companies in your area. The agent can find the best plan for your situation and budget. They can explain what you get and, more importantly, what you don't get with each policy and can answer all of your questions. There is no extra charge using an agent.

Be aware that with individual policies there will be a waiting period for maternity coverage. The agent can explain how long this waiting period will be with each different policy.

Louis Said:

While looking for health insurance plans, what does "coinsurance" mean when it's at 0%?

We Answered:

Why do people answer questions when they are not even close? (rolling eyes, shaking head)

Coinsurance at 0% means that the company pays 100% after the deductible....instead of you paying 20% and them paying 80%...ect...

Javier Said:

health plans HMO POS what is the difference?

We Answered:

As far as i know,this is a question with many different answers,it is really depend on the judgement of yourself,provide a
great resource here http://www.HealthInsuranceFreeTips.info/free-health-insurance.htm for reference though.

Darlene Said:

Health insurance plans EPO/POS/PPO versus HMO?

We Answered:

There has been so much blurring of the lines with health insurance categories over the years that it’s difficult to make generalizations. But in general, if you are the kind of person who wants to select your own doctors and doesn’t want to be bothered with getting a referral to see a specialist, then a PPO style plan might be best for you. On the other hand, if you like the idea of having a stable primary doctor who can then refer you to see specialists, an HMO might work. Both categories may provide coverage for preventive care, checkups, etc. You’ll want to check into the details of the health plans you’re considering.

Doctors don’t necessarily prefer one type of health plan over another, and in fact some doctors will participate in multiple health insurance plans that may follow both models. You can find great doctors either way.

As a rule, you don’t need to worry too much about different categories of health plans. Instead, think about the specific benefits that are important to you. And think about how much you are willing or able to pay for a monthly premium, for copayments, for deductibles. If you’re looking for a good resource to help you choose a health insurance plan, take a look at my company’s website, eHealthInsurance.com. It’s a free service. You can look at the health insurance options in your area, compare plan rates and benefits side by side, and make sure your favorite doctor is covered. You can also talk to a licensed agent (800-977-8860) and apply for coverage online.

Good luck.

- Amir M, licensed agent