Health Insurance Quotes in Union Springs, AL

Compare Quotes for Health Insurance in Union Springs, AL

Health insurance is necessary to cover medical expenses. Many forms of health insurance are available in Union Springs, AL. The types of policies vary based on the amount of coverage offered. Insurance companies either reimburse policyholders for medical expenses paid or pay the provider themselves. MyRatePlan offers easy comparisons and contrasts between the many various types of health insurance policies available. We will provide you with free quotes of the costs for each policy, and all the results can be viewed conveniently online, or over email or phone.

A majority of health insurance in Union Springs, AL is obtained either through employers or through private insurers. Seniors commonly receive health insurance through Medicare. Likewise, many people in low income brackets receive health insurance through Medicaid. Both of these services allow people to be insured at a significantly lower cost than through private insurance.

Since there are a variety of insurance types in Union Springs, AL, each policy has different levels of coverage and different price ranges. The least expensive will likely only cover the most sudden and catastrophic of medical needs. The most expensive plans will usually offer full coverage. In choosing what level of coverage is necessary, all your medical needs must be considered, but MyRatePlan can help.

Types of Health Insurance Plans in Union Springs, AL

Many types of insurance plans are currently available in Union Springs, AL. However, they vary based on convenience and flexibility. Among the most popular plans are PPO, HMO, POS, HRA, MSA, HSA and FSA.

A Health Maintenance Organization, also called an HMO, is a network that requires the customer to choose a primary doctor who acts as gatekeeper. When the customer needs to see another doctor or any type of specialist, that customer must go through the primary care doctor first. The primary care doctor must assess the patient and determine if he or she needs to see a specialist. If so, the primary care doctor makes the referral to the specialist. A benefit of HMOs is that they are more affordable in that they require low monthly premiums, no deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses are reasonably priced. One drawback is that the patient is generally only seen by a small network of doctors, and this is because many healthcare facilities do not accept HMO plans.

Another popular health insurance plan in Union Springs, AL is the Preferred Provider Organization, also called a PPO. Unlike HMO plans, PPOs generally have a large network of participating providers. The insured person may choose whichever in-network doctor they desire, and specialists can be seen with no referral requirement. Choosing an in-network provider rewards the insured by giving them more coverage to see the in-network doctor. However, going out of network is not a complete loss to the customer, as PPO plans also offer partial assistance for expenses paid to out of network healthcare providers. PPO plans also have drawbacks. While they do limit the yearly out of pocket expenses to the insured, they also require deductibles and co-payments.

A POS, also called a Point of Service plan, utilizes a combination of PPO and HMO services. A POS plan offers a moderately-sized network of physicians as options for primary care doctors. The insured pays no deductibles and pays low co-payments, but only if the insured stays in network. However, the insured must pay a much higher price for co-payments and deductibles whenever treated by an out of network doctor.

In addition to the above options, consumers in Union Springs, AL, also have the option of purchasing a less traditional insurance plan, such as a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), a Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Medical Savings Account (MSA). These four options all require the insured or the insured's employer to set money aside for medical expenses in a tax-exempt savings account. The money is then used to pay for doctors, surgical procedures, prescriptions and other medical expenses. One benefit these plans all have in common is the flexible of how they can be used. Some of the plans even permit the insured to roll the money over and use it the following year.

A person's employment status is a huge factor in determining the type of health coverage offered. Large companies can typically offer a group plan, which is less expensive than a single health insurance plan. However employees are not bound by law to enroll in a group plan.

Unemployed and self-employed people in Union Springs, AL may choose to buy an individual or private plan. Unemployed senior citizens can get Medicare from the federal government, which provides financial assistance. Some people qualify for Medicaid if they have a very low income. Medicaid is a type of government assistance designed to benefit the poor.

Cost of Health Insurance in Union Springs, AL

Your premium is the monthly charge you pay to your insurance provider. This payment is made regardless of how much you actually use your insurance. Your deductible is the amount of money you pay to your healthcare provider for covered services. Once you reach the maximum required amount your insurance company will take over the costs of your healthcare. For example, if your deductible is $2000 then you must pay for services until you have paid $2000. After you have paid this amount you are only required to pay a copayment or coinsurance.

A copayment refers to the portion of the bill that you pay for a Union Springs, AL doctor's office visit or medical service. If the copayment for a given treatment is $15, then every time you are given that treatment you would pay $15. Any cost for the service beyond the $15 is paid by your insurance. These payments cannot be used to pay into your deductible.

Deductibles are not the same as your out-of-pocket costs. A deductible is the annual fixed amount that you must pay before your insurance starts to cover you. Your out-of-pocket cost is the total, cumulative amount of money that you will spend on your healthcare from your own finances.

Payments made toward deductibles usually do not roll over with each new year and are instead reset. For example, say you have paid $1500 on your $2000 deductible. When your insurance plan renews your paid amount will reset to zero and your deductible will remain at $2000. There are some plans that allow you to keep your paid amount from the previous year and apply it toward part or all of the new year's deductible.

Some insurance companies enforce lifetime benefit maximums and only pay a set amount for your medical services. A maximum amount of benefits is set and the insurance providers will not pay for more, regardless of deductibles or out-of-pocket costs.

Many individuals in Union Springs, AL receive health insurance through their employment. People who work for large businesses or corporations are likely to qualify for their company health insurance. This type of insurance will typically cover the employee's family, as well. Being on a company insurance policy is usually an easy and affordable option, but anyone is allowed to purchase insurance through a private party.

Self-employed workers have the freedom to purchase private, individual insurance. Senior citizens and disabled individuals can qualify for health insurance through the government program Medicare. Low-income families in Union Springs, AL can get coverage through Medicaid, a similar government assistance program for needy individuals.

Check with your primary care physician to see the types of insurance they accept and notify them of any changes. Remember to ask your insurance company about any questions you may have regarding your plan.

Get a Union Springs, AL Health Insurance Quote

One of the best and most practical actions you can take is to make sure that you and your family are covered for medical emergencies. MyRatePlan takes the guess work out of the confusing and complicated process of finding the right type of healthcare and makes getting a quote in Union Springs, AL simple and hassle free. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code.

There are many ways you can save money on coverage. However, there are important elements that should not be left out simply for the sake of saving a buck. What may not seem important now might be very important in the future, starting a family for example. Keep in mind that out-of-pocket expenses for medical care are significantly more expensive than premiums for health insurance. If you are in the Union Springs, AL area and need health insurance, check out MyRatePlan and let us find the best insurance for you at the best possible price with your free quote.