3 Great Tips For Acquiring Health Insurance In Raleigh, North Carolina
UNC REX Hospital
4420 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: (919) 784-3100
Plus Code: R78W+XR Raleigh, North Carolina
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Everyone understands the importance of health insurance. The problem is, finding the time to do the research necessary to find a plan that matches your current needs and circumstance.
If you're not quite sure where to begin, you are not alone. Below are three great tips for finding quality health insurance in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Good to know: Want to really know the particulars concerning a health care plan? Request the "evidence of coverage" document associated with the plan. The evidence of coverage document is what you need if you want to understand in perfect detail, exactly what a health care plan covers. You will find a thorough explanation of benefits, exceptions, and exclusions. The evidence of coverage document provides details that may not be listed in that glossy plan brochure, or any online verbiage detailing plan benefits. In most circumstances, this document is legally required to be associated with most any health plan policy. It is available to consumers. You need only to ask.
Great Tip Number 1: Compare different types of health care plans
There are several types of health plan options that you may choose from in Raleigh NC. Even a couple that you may not be aware of - like faith-based health plans. Faith-based health plans, or health care sharing plans, (as they are sometimes referred to), function very much like traditional health insurance plans. However, they are not insurance plans at all - at least not in a legal sense. There are also the new short-term plans. They are so different from what was offered previously, they should be considered a brand new option. We will touch on all the options available in the Raleigh North Carolina region, below.
Health plan options In Raleigh North Carolina Include:
- Traditional health insurance plans.
Traditional health insurance refers to health insurance plans that are offered via the Affordable Care Act umbrella (ACA). Companies offering these plans include: BlueCross BlueShield. - Short-term health insurance.
Short-term health insurance plans are not so "short" any more. Do to recent changes in health insurance guidelines, you can now, in some cases, keep the same low-cost short-term health insurance plan for a year or more - making such plans a serious long-term health insurance option. Companies offering these plans include: United Healthcare, National General. - Faith-based healthcare coverage (Healthcare sharing plans).
Faith-based, or healthcare sharing plans is the exponentially exploding new market. Their unique plan structure makes such plans an intriguing and affordable alternative to traditional health insurance plans. Companies offering these plans include: OneShare Health.
When evaluating your options always review the plan's summary of benefits. Most health plans summaries are closely associated with the plan descriptions found on any quality online health plan source. A provider directory, which displays the facilities and doctors that are part of the plan's physician network, should also be readily available.
Also, when comparing various plans, make certain to pay serious attention to your family's current medical needs. Consider the cost and manner of treatment you have gotten in the past. Though it is not possible to foretell every future medical circumstance, being aware of your family's medical history can assist you in making the right decision.
Great Tip Number 2: Review physician / hospital Networks
Be sure to check the hospital/physician network of any plan that you are considering. Make certain the specific hospitals or doctors you desire, are participating in the network. The expense of utilizing a physician or hospital that is out-of-network, can be staggering. Insurance firms negotiate with physicians and hospitals to obtain more reasonable rates. When you opt out of the network, those negotiated rates are not available to you. If you have personal doctors and you want to keep visiting them, make certain they are part of the provider network associated with your plan.
Good to know: Check medical bills for errors. Medical billing errors happen a lot more than you would think. Oddly, these errors almost always benefit the hospital or medical facility. Make sure that you receive an itemized bill in the mail. These bills delineate in detail the charges you incurred for each of your medical procedures. In this regard, they contain greater utility than the explanation of benefits (EOB) you generally receive in the mail. If your medical bill omits key information regarding charges incurred, contact your healthcare facility and ask for an itemized bill.
Once you have received this bill, review it carefully. Did you actually receive every procedure listed? If so, is the cost what you were promised beforehand? Additionally, look out for billing errors when it comes to pharmaceuticals. Often, healthcare billers make the mistake of charging individuals for name-brand drugs instead of generic drugs.
Great Tip Number 3: Compare out-of-pocket costs
Perhaps the most important part of any health plan is the amount you will be responsible to pay should a medical need arise. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what your plan will pay toward a medical bill, and what you will be required to pay. You need to be clear on this issue for most every possible medical circumstance. This includes office visits, x-rays and laboratory tests, emergency room visits, hospital procedures and stays, etc. Also, make sure you know the maximum amount your plan will pay toward every medical circumstance. Many plans have lifetime limits. Some plans have procedure limits. These are things you do not want to learn of after you gone through a medical circumstance. You need to know before you purchase your health insurance plan. When it comes to finding a good health insurance plan in Raleigh, there is a lot you need to know. Talk to the experts. We are happy to help. Give us a call today.
Other articles: Explaining The Growth of Healthcare Sharing Healthplans
Is Short-Term Health Insurance Right For You?
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