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 Health Insurance Options for Families: Here’s What to Consider

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your family is one of the most important decisions you can make. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which plan will best meet your family’s needs. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a health insurance plan, including coverage for children, maternity care, and more.

Shortcuts: Considerations For: Purchasing Coverage for Children | Expectant Families | Comprehensive Coverage | Cost Considerations | Network Considerations | Additional Benefits

Things to Consider When Purchasing Coverage for Children

Children’s health needs can vary widely, from regular check-ups and vaccinations to treatment for illnesses and injuries. When evaluating health insurance plans, pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Pediatric Care

Ensure the plan covers routine pediatric visits, immunizations, and screenings. These are essential for monitoring your child’s growth and development.

2. Specialist Care

Check if the plan includes access to pediatric specialists, such as allergists, endocrinologists, and behavioral health providers. This is crucial if your child has or develops specific health conditions.

3. Emergency Services

Accidents happen, and children are often the most frequent visitors to emergency rooms. Confirm that emergency services are covered, including ER visits and urgent care. Inside tip: hospitals are now required to disclose the cost of their services online, so familiarize yourself with the costs of local hospitals before you actually need them.

Considerations for Expectant Families: Maternity and Newborn Care

For families planning to have children or expecting a baby, maternity and newborn care coverage is vital. Here’s what to look for:

1. Prenatal Care

Prenatal visits are critical for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Ensure the plan covers regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and any necessary prenatal tests.

2. Labor and Delivery

Review the coverage for labor and delivery, including hospital stays, birthing centers, and any potential complications. Some plans may also cover home births.

3. Postnatal Care

After the baby is born, postnatal care for both the mother and the newborn is essential. Check if the plan includes coverage for follow-up visits, lactation consultations, and newborn screenings.

Expecting to grow your family soon? Pay attention to pre- and post-natal care options.

Pay Attention to Comprehensive Family Coverage

Beyond children’s and maternity care, consider the overall family coverage offered by the plan:

1. Preventive Care

Preventive care helps detect and prevent health issues before they become serious. Look for plans that cover annual check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings for all family members

2. Chronic Condition Management

If anyone in your family has a chronic condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or hypertension, ensure the plan covers the necessary medications, specialist visits, and ongoing treatment.

3. Mental Health Services

Mental health is as important as physical health. Check for coverage of mental health services, including counseling, therapy sessions, and psychiatric care. Many mental health services are now mandated for coverage by ACA-compliant health plans.

Cost Considerations

Understanding the costs associated with health insurance is crucial for budgeting. Here are the primary cost factors to consider:

1. Premiums

Premiums are the monthly payments you make to maintain your health insurance coverage. Compare premiums across different plans to find one that fits your budget.

2. Deductibles

The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover expenses. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums, but it’s essential to choose a deductible that your family can afford. Contrary to popular belief, there are ways to truly get your money’s worth out of high-deductible health plans, read about how here.

3. Copayments and Coinsurance

Copayments are fixed amounts you pay for specific services, while coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of care. Review these costs to understand your out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits, prescriptions, and other services.

4. Out-of-Pocket Maximums

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’ll have to pay for covered services in a year. Once you reach this limit, your insurance covers 100% of the costs. This is an important factor for protecting your family from high medical expenses.

Pay Attention To These Network Considerations

Health insurance plans typically have a network of preferred providers. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

Using in-network providers usually costs less than out-of-network providers. Ensure your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in-network.

2. Provider Availability

Check the availability of in-network providers, especially specialists. Access to a wide range of providers ensures you can get the care you need without significant delays or travel.

…And Finally, Consider These Additional Benefits

Some health insurance plans offer additional benefits that can be valuable for families:

1. Telehealth Services

Telehealth services allow you to consult with healthcare providers remotely. This is especially convenient for busy families and can reduce the need for in-person visits.

2. Wellness Programs

Many plans include wellness programs that offer incentives for healthy behaviors, such as gym memberships, weight loss programs, and smoking cessation support.

3. Prescription Coverage

Ensure the plan covers a broad range of prescription medications and review the formulary to see if your family’s medications are included.

Telehealth services are an important component of modern health plans.

In Conclusion…

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your family involves careful consideration of various factors, including coverage for children, maternity care, overall family health needs, costs, and provider networks. By taking the time to evaluate these aspects, you can find a plan that offers the best protection and peace of mind for your loved ones.

For more detailed information about family health insurance options or to find the best plan for your family, call us at (855) 218-3447 or click here to get in touch. Our experts are here to help you navigate your healthcare needs!

Family Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-having-meal-at-the-table-3171200/

Expectant Mother Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pregnant-woman-7088487/

Credit Cards Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-two-brown-cards-259200/

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Understanding Telehealth Coverage in Your Health Plan

In recent years, telehealth has emerged as a vital component of the healthcare system, offering a convenient and efficient way for patients to access medical care. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth services, making it more important than ever to understand how these services are covered under your health insurance plan.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services through today’s communication technologies, such as video conferencing, phone calls, and mobile apps. This can include virtual consultations with doctors, remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, and even mental health therapy sessions. Telehealth makes it possible for patients to receive medical care from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for in-person visits.

Why is Telehealth Important?

Telehealth offers 3 key benefits:

  • Convenience: Patients can consult with healthcare providers without traveling to a clinic or hospital, saving time and effort. With the single and unmarried population in the United States now at historic numbers, not everyone has someone to take them to the doctor when they aren’t feeling well. Telehealth helps solve this problem.
  • Access: Telehealth can help bridge the gap for individuals in rural or underserved areas who might have limited access to healthcare facilities. With telehealth, someone in rural Iowa can access the best heart specialist in New York City if need be.
  • Safety: Telehealth minimizes the risk of exposure to infectious diseases by reducing the need for face-to-face interactions. This was especially important during the pandemic.

“Telehealth helps bridge the gap for people in rural or underserved areas who might have limited access to healthcare”

How Does Telehealth Coverage Work?

Telehealth coverage can vary widely depending on your health insurance plan. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Check Your Plan’s Telehealth Benefits

Most insurance providers now offer some form of telehealth coverage, but the specifics can differ. Review your insurance policy or contact your provider to understand what telehealth services are covered. Look for information about:

  • Eligible Services: Which types of telehealth visits are covered? This can include primary care consultations, specialist visits, mental health counseling, and more.
  • Preferred Platforms: Some insurers have partnerships with specific telehealth platforms or providers. Ensure you use an approved service to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Cost Sharing: Determine if there are copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance associated with telehealth visits. These costs can be different from those for in-person visits.

2. Network Considerations

Just like in-person visits, telehealth services might be subject to network restrictions. Check if your telehealth provider is in-network. Using out-of-network services can result in higher out-of-pocket costs or limited coverage.

3. Prescription Policies

Telehealth visits can often include prescriptions for necessary medications. Verify if your insurance covers prescriptions written during a telehealth consultation and whether there are any restrictions.

Maximizing Your Telehealth Benefits

To make the most of your telehealth coverage, follow these tips:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on your insurance provider’s telehealth policies. Coverage can evolve, especially as telehealth becomes more integrated into healthcare systems.
  • Prepare for Appointments: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space for your telehealth visits. Have your medical history and current medications on hand to discuss with your healthcare provider.
  • Know Your Options: If your primary care doctor or specialist offers telehealth services, this continuity of care can be beneficial. However, for urgent or after-hours care, using your insurer’s recommended telehealth platforms might be more convenient.

Conclusion

Telehealth is transforming the way we access healthcare, making it more accessible and convenient. Understanding your health plan’s telehealth coverage ensures you can take full advantage of these services while minimizing out-of-pocket costs. As telehealth continues to grow, staying informed about your coverage options will help you make the best choices for your health and well-being.

For more detailed information about telehealth coverage or to explore the best health insurance options for you (including telehealth plans), call us at (855) 218-3447 or click below and we’ll get in touch with you. Our experts are here to help you navigate your healthcare needs!

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-holding-a-bottle-8376235/

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The 2024 Health Insurance Overhaul: Key Changes and What They Mean for You

In 2024, several significant changes are coming to the health insurance landscape in the United States, thanks to new rules finalized by the Biden-Harris Administration. These updates are aimed at making health insurance more affordable, accessible, and transparent for Americans. Here’s what you need to know:

Cracking Down on Junk Health Insurance

One of the most notable changes is the crackdown on “junk” health insurance plans. These plans often offer low premiums but fail to provide adequate coverage when it’s needed most. Under the new rules, short-term health insurance plans, which have been criticized for offering insufficient coverage, will now be limited to just three months with a possible one-month extension. This is a significant reduction from the previous allowance of up to three years. The goal is to prevent consumers from being lured into plans that leave them with high out-of-pocket costs and limited coverage when they need medical care. Get more information directly from the White House’s official announcement.

Enhancing Enrollment and Consumer Protection

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have introduced several measures to simplify the enrollment process and enhance consumer protection. Starting January 1, 2024, there will be a new special enrollment period for individuals losing Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. This allows up to 90 days to select a new plan, helping to avoid gaps in coverage.

In addition, the CMS has improved the shopping experience on HealthCare.gov. Consumers can now see estimated total yearly costs for each plan, not just the monthly premiums. This change helps individuals understand the true cost of their insurance options over the entire year, making it easier to choose a plan that fits their financial and health needs.

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Care

The final rule also places a strong emphasis on expanding access to behavioral health care. Most people likely still don’t know about the mental health care mandate that was instituted with Obamacare, but this takes it a step further. New requirements ensure that plans must contract with a higher percentage of essential community providers, including substance abuse treatment centers and mental health facilities. This change aims to address the ongoing mental health crisis that was created by the COVID-19 pandemic and also improve access to necessary care for underserved populations.

Simplifying Plan Choices

To reduce the confusion often caused by an overwhelming number of plan options, the new rules limit the number of non-standardized plan options that insurers can offer on the marketplaces. This simplification is intended to help consumers make more informed choices without feeling overwhelmed by too many similar plans.

Interested in health insurance? Why not talk to one of our experts?

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The True Cost of Not Having Health Insurance

Tell your friends: Navigating today’s world without health insurance might seem like a good idea at times, but it can be a risky journey. From facing overwhelming medical bills to skipping crucial preventive care, the long-term consequences of not having health insurance can be significant. We recommend that everyone understands the impact of making informed decisions about your healthcare needs in order to best protect your health and your wallet.

Health Impacts Of Not Having Insurance

  1. Delayed Medical Care: Without insurance, many people put off necessary medical visits, including routine check-ups and preventive care. This delay can lead to undiagnosed conditions that become more serious over time.
  2. Difficulty Affording Medication: We all know it: prescription drugs are pricey in the U.S., and without insurance, many people can’t afford the medications they need. This often results in unmanaged health conditions and higher long-term costs.
  3. Reliance on Emergency Rooms: Uninsured individuals often use emergency rooms for care, which is more expensive and less efficient than regular visits to a primary care doctor. This practice can result in longer wait times and higher overall costs to the patient.

Financial Risks

  1. High Medical Bills: Without insurance, you’re responsible for the full cost of medical care. Even a minor accident or illness can lead to substantial medical bills, potentially causing significant debt or bankruptcy.
  2. Penalties in Some States: While the federal penalty for not having insurance was removed in 2019, some states have their own mandates. For instance, California, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. impose penalties if you don’t have health insurance.

Alternatives to Traditional Health Insurance

  1. Government Programs: Programs like Medicaid and Medicare provide coverage for low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with certain disabilities. These programs can help ensure you get the necessary medical care.
  2. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): For those with high-deductible health plans, HSAs allow you to save money tax-free for medical expenses. These accounts can help manage costs effectively and provide financial security for future healthcare needs.
  3. Private Insurance and other Alternatives: Private health insurance is often a great alternative for people who need an insurance solution that works for them.

Importance of Preventive Care

Many preventive services, such as vaccinations, screenings, and wellness checks, are covered by health insurance plans without additional costs. These services are crucial for catching health issues early, which can save money and improve health outcomes in the long run.

So overall, while health insurance may seem expensive, it protects against unexpected high medical expenses and ensures access to necessary care. Without it, the financial and health risks can be substantial. It’s important to explore available options and find a plan that fits your needs and budget. We’d be more than happy to help.

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Should People Under 30 Buy Health Insurance?

Should people under 30 get Health Insurance? After all, people under 30 don’t always have a lot of money and are also in good health. Is it worth the chance?

Certainly, there are multiple reasons why it is highly advisable for young adults to purchase health insurance. Here are a few:

Random, Expensive Things Can Happen

Choosing to go without health insurance may appear as though it’s a way to save money in the immediate future, especially when you are in good health and don’t often visit a doctor. Nevertheless, unexpected injuries and illnesses do occur, and they can be far more costly to cover when you don’t have insurance. Just a few days in the hospital can cost as much as $30,000 if you don’t have insurance.

Health plans that help you avoid out of pocket expenses for healthcare are often less than you think, and are even more affordable now than ever before. Four out of five people are eligible for plans that can cost $20 or less each month. But don’t simply take our word for it – get in touch with our team to find out how little you can pay for health insurance.

Another upside to purchasing health insurance is that it offers a ceiling on the amount you are likely to spend on health care over a given year. One of the advantages of ACA-approved plans is that they must provide hospitalization coverage, so that even if you don’t need to use it regularly, it safeguards you from financial ruin in the event of an unexpected medical situation.

You Have a Good Chance of Obtaining Low Prices are Great

Depending on your annual earnings, you may be eligible for a subsidy from the government which can be used to cover your monthly premiums. Many people living in the US may qualify and it could make health insurance very affordable. In some cases, it even brings the cost of plans to $0. This post provides more info about subsidies.

Your eligibility for a subsidy is determined by your income, and you will not have to spend more than 8.5% of your earnings on a health plan. Too much of a hassle to calculate this yourself? Not to worry. Our pros can help you figure out your cost and what type of plan you should get.

All Plans Include Complimentary Amenities That Promote Your Well-Being

Are you healthy? Let’s make sure it remains that way! There are some health services, such as regular check-ups, immunizations, and cancer screenings, which can assist in detecting medical conditions before they become more serious, thus helping you to remain healthy as you age. This is most commonly known as preventive care.

If you have any health plan, you will be able to reap the benefits of free preventive care. You don’t need to pay anything extra for copays. Even the least expensive plans offer the same preventive services as the pricier plans, so it’s possible to buy the least expensive health insurance and still get access to:

  • Immunizations
  • Annually scheduled check-ups
  • Getting a yearly physical with a pap smear
  • Measuring blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels
  • Click here to learn more about preventative care and other “essential” healthcare benefits

Inexpensive Plan Alternatives Are Available

When shopping for health insurance, it’s possible to see that there are various plans separated into metal tiers: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. These metal tiers generally go up in cost and the level of coverage they provide.

The most costly option is Platinum, but it does cover the biggest percentage of medical costs. If you don’t regularly require health care, a more economical bronze plan is a better choice. These plans have higher deductibles, so if you do need health care, you will have to pay a larger sum out-of-pocket. However, the annual medical expenses are limited, safeguarding you in a medical crisis without having to pay expensive monthly premiums. Additionally, bronze plans will fully cover preventative care, thus enabling you to get a yearly checkup (and more) at no cost.

For those under the age of 30 who do not anticipate needing much health care, a catastrophic plan could be a viable option. Despite the name, these plans are simply more cost-effective for younger individuals. The reduced monthly premiums come with high deductibles, meaning that the primary function of catastrophic plans is to protect you from large, unexpected medical bills. An interesting feature of this type of insurance is that preventive care is covered, as well as three primary care visits per year.

We’ll Do The Shopping For You

Shopping for a plan requires quite a bit of research and careful consideration. To ensure you get the best deal that meets your needs, you’ll want to compare several options and do some research into the various plan features. Our team is actually trained to do this for you! We’ll take some time to talk to you and understand your unique needs, and we’ll help you find the coverage that works best for you.

Call us at 855-218-3447, our experts are standing by! Or click the button below and we’ll get in touch with you.

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Open Enrollment For 2023 Is Underway: Don’t Miss Out!

Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 Open Enrollment Period For Obamacare and ACA plans.

The 2023 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began November 1, 2022 and ends on January 15, 2023. Some states have their own healthcare exchanges, such as California’s Covered California Exchange and Pennsylvania’s Pennie. Several of these states have different date ranges for the 2023 OEP.

If you think that OEP is a bit longer than usual this year, you’re right: open enrollment used to end on December 15 in most states, but the Biden administration added a one-month extension that took effect for the 2022 plan year and will continue to be used from now on.

If you don’t have health insurance through your job, you’ll need to purchase coverage during open enrollment. The best time to buy health insurance is during the open enrollment period, when ACA plans are available and rates are set for the year. You can still buy health insurance after open enrollment, but you may have to wait for a plan to become available and your rates may be higher, or you may have to use an option such as private health insurance.

What is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the time of year when people who don’t have health insurance through their job can purchase coverage through a certified ACA provider such as HealthPlanOptionsToday. You can still buy health insurance through a government exchange after open enrollment if you have experienced one of several qualifying events (we’ll cover this later).

What States Have Their Own Healthcare Exchanges?

Many states and the District of Colombia have their own healthcare exchanges, many of which have unique open enrollment periods. A complete list of these states is below:

California: From November 1 to January 31 (renewals began earlier, on October 1)
Colorado: From November 1 to January 15
Connecticut: From November 1 to January 15
District of Columbia: From November 1 to January 31
Idaho: From October 15 to December 15 (take note that this deadline ends before year-end)
Kentucky: From November 1 to January 15
Maine: From November 1 to January 15
Maryland: From November 1 to January 15
Massachusetts: From November 1 to January 23
Minnesota: From November 1 to January 15
Nevada: From November 1 to January 15
New Jersey: From November 1 to January 31
New Mexico: From November 1 to January 15
New York: From November 16 to January 31 (note that open enrollment begins later than most exchanges)
Pennsylvania: From November 1 to January 15
Rhode Island: From November 1 to January 31
Vermont: From November 1 to January 15
Washington: From November 1 to January 15

How To Get Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment

Outside of ACA’s open enrollment window, Obamacare enrollments are available with a qualifying event such as marriage (since 2017), becoming a U.S. citizen or birth/adoption (since July 2016). Even if you do not fall under one of these qualifying events, you can still purchase health insurance through Health Plan Options Today. Our trained specialists will literally search through a plethora of plans to find the one that suits you and your needs the best.

How To Get The Best Deal During Open Enrollment Period

While the best time to buy health insurance is during the open enrollment period, our team is just a call away and is ready to assist with your health insurance needs at any time of the year. They will take time to learn about your budget and your needs: whether you’re single, an empty-nester, or if you have a large family that needs to be covered, and will help select the plan that will work best for you. Get in touch with us by calling our hotline at 855-218-3447 or by clicking the button below.

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6 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Health Insurance

Navigating health insurance in the U.S. can be very confusing. Even today, while we’re living within the golden age of health insurance in our country, millions of people still don’t have coverage. There are several changes that can be made to ensure that health insurance can be even more affordable and accessible for all.

Those who have health insurance are able to take advantage of the fact that insurance is there to help you and your family when you need it most, but did you know that there are other ways to make the most of your health insurance and get the most out of your benefits?

Here are some tips on how to best utilize your health insurance.

1. Get Familiar With Your Policy

Every insurance plan is different, so make sure you are familiar with your policy and what it covers. It’s important to know what your policy covers, as well as any exclusions or limitations. This will help you understand what benefits you are entitled to and how to make the most of them.

Be sure to review the “Summary of Benefits” provided to you by your insurance company and if you have any questions, call the company and have someone in the member services department explain it to you.

In addition, plans backed by the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare mandate MUST provide a variety of services that are often underutilized by the general public, such as mental health services, wellness care, outpatient care and other services. In addition, ACA-backed plans must provide preventative care, which we’ll discuss further below.

Find The Right Provider For You

Choosing the correct provider will help you get your money’s worth from your insurance.

Healthcare providers can be primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals or more. Essentially, it’s any person or place that provides you with healthcare.

If you don’t currently have a provider or your provider isn’t a part of your new insurance, be sure to check your plan provider network to see the list of providers that they work with.

This information is usually available on the insurance company’s website or you can contact the insurance company’s member services to describe what you are looking for and let them point you in the right direction.

Think about what you really need from a provider. It’s your right to see a provider who makes you comfortable and remember, you can request another provider if you don’t think they are the best fit.

3. Preventative Care is Key

Many health insurance policies are required to cover preventive care in your plan. This means that even if you haven’t met your annual deductible, you can still receive preventive care services for free.

Preventive care services include annual checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and even counseling to stop smoking.

Take advantage of these benefits to help keep yourself and your family healthy.

4. Discounts, Discounts, Discounts

Your health coverage provider may provide discounts you’re not even using.

Many health insurance plans offer discounts on fitness memberships, healthy food choices, and other wellness-related activities. These discounts can help you save money and improve your overall health.

Take Advantage of them!

5. Use Online Tools and Resources

Most health insurance companies offer online tools and resources that can help you manage your health, find providers, and make the most of your benefits.

Utilizing these resources can help you get the most out of your health insurance and save you time, and money.

6. Know When To Use Your Health Coverage

It’s important to know when to use your health insurance and when to pay cash.

There are times when it may be more cost-effective to pay for a service out-of-pocket rather than using your health insurance.

However, if you have a serious or complex medical issue, it’s important to use your health insurance so that you can get the care you need.

Don’t Have Health Insurance? Here’s How to Get Covered.

Following these tips can help you make the most of your health insurance and get the most out of your benefits. If you have any questions about your policy or how to best utilize your health insurance, contact your insurer for more information.

The team at HealthPlanOptionsToday is here to help everyone get the best health insurance prices for their unique situations and needs. We can’t wait to help you as well! Click the button below and we’ll contact you, or call our hotline at 855-218-3447 for instant help.

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I’m Pregnant, Does That Affect My Health Insurance?

Congratulations! Pregnancy is a big life event! However, it can be expensive.

Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy and health insurance:

Wait! I Don’t Have Insurance!

If you don’t have insurance and are pregnant, you may qualify for one of a variety of health insurance programs. Our team can help you explore your options, as we proudly cover thousands of people in 47 of the 50 states and the District of Colombia. Call our hotline at 855-218-3447 and we’ll assist you with further information.

If you DO have insurance, here are the steps you should take.

What Will My Insurance Cover?

It’s worth looking into all of your health insurance options to make sure you’re getting the best coverage possible.

Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition, which means that your health insurance company can’t refuse to cover you simply because you’re pregnant.

However, some surprising services may not be covered by your health insurance during pregnancy, such as prenatal care, delivery, and post-natal care.

Most health insurance plans cover much of the delivery and aftercare costs, but you may need to pay part of the bill.

Find out what services are covered by your plan and what your costs are likely to be by looking at your summary of benefits or by calling your insurance company.

Here are some things you might want to look for to confirm whether your plan covers these services (here is a list of other non-pregnancy related health plan features most people aren’t aware of), and if so, how much of the bill you’ll be expected to pay:

  • Prenatal Care, including screenings
  • Labor and delivery in your chosen setting, including home births, hospitals, birthing centers or alternative birthing options, such as water births
  • Midwife services
  • Enhanced coverage for high-risk pregnancies or pregnancy complications
  • Medically prescribed C-sections, including recovery
  • Neonatal care
  • Lactation Consultations

Let Your Insurance Provider Know

Contact your health insurance provider as soon as you know you are pregnant.

You should contact your health insurance company to let them know that you are pregnant. They may have special coverage options for pregnancy that you don’t know about.

This could include things like:

  • Maternity clothes
  • Home health services
  • Breast pumps
  • Prescription drugs

Some states even have laws that require insurance companies to provide coverage for pregnancy. You can usually find this information on your state’s Department of Insurance website.

Choose a Pregnancy Care Provider

Your Choice of Doctor Can Change Your Entire Pregnancy Experience

This could be an OBGYN, a family doctor, or a midwife.

If you already have an OBGYN you are comfortable with who is covered by your insurance, you are good to go. If not, you will need to choose another provider to be with you throughout this process.

Once you have chosen someone, you will need to contact your insurance company again to find out if they cover care from this specific provider.

If they don’t, you may need to look into other options.

Get Screened

During pregnancy, you will need to get screened for a variety of conditions and diseases and have additional healthcare options. These include:

  • Testing and counseling for STDS (sexually transmitted diseases)
  • Testing for blood conditions
  • Prenatal tests including anemia screening and screening for urinary tract infections, etc
  • Testing for gestational diabetes
  • You will also be prescribed prenatal vitamins during this time to help the development of the fetus and can help protect your baby from certain birth defects

Where Will I Deliver My Baby?

After choosing your OBGYN or midwife, you’ll want to find out at which birthing facilities they have admitting privileges. Unfortunately, not all OBGYNS have admitting privileges at every hospital and without those, a hospital can reject an obstetrician’s request to treat you there.

To be sure that this won’t happen to you, be sure to check your OBGYN’s website or speak to them to find out about hospital affiliations. Then visit your health insurer’s website to see whether those hospitals are in your plan’s network.

After The Birth

Having a baby allows you to qualify for a special open health insurance enrollment period in many cases.

Contact your insurance company, employer or state insurance marketplace to add your child to your health plan shortly after giving birth.

If you have insurance through the state, having a baby qualifies you for a special open enrollment period in your state’s marketplace which allows you 2 months to choose a plan for your baby or make changes to your existing plan.

If you have insurance through your employer, many of them require you to add your baby to your policy within 30 days.

Family Planning Made Easy

Reach out to the team at HealthPlanOptionsToday to help you get the best care for your future family. Click the button below and we’ll contact you, or call our hotline at 855-218-3447 for instant help.

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Getting Your Money’s Worth From High-Deductible Health Plans

Think high-deductible plans aren’t worth it? Think again.

What’s A High Deductible Health Plan?

Officially speaking, High Deductible Health Plans are health insurance plans that carry deductibles greater than $2800 for families and greater than $1400 for a single person. On average, most high deductible plans have even higher deductibles- over $4000 per individual and over $8000 per family.

In addition, these plans also have yearly out-of-pocket maximums. An out-of-pocket maximum is the highest amount you will pay for healthcare on your own. By law, the maximum can’t be over $7000 for an individual and $14k for a family (note: these are 2021 legal limits; the amounts will increase slightly in 2022).

The advantage of these plans is that they typically have a lower premium (the monthly payment for health insurance) than other health insurance coverage- their premiums are sometimes half or even less than half of the cost of other plans.

Who Should Buy A High Deductible Health Plan?

If you’re someone who visits the doctor or pharmacy often, you should probably steer clear of high-deductible plans, as the costs that you’ll accrue will probably outweigh the savings on the premium.

If you don’t use health care often, then a high deductible plan is probably worth your consideration. When it comes to choosing whether or not to purchase health insurance, it’s best to err on the side of caution- and an HDHP is the least cautious way to go. Many people who purchase these plans are just looking for a safety net in case of a serious unexpected emergency.

Also, if you don’t have any major chronic health conditions and don’t visit specialists, these plans are a good fit for you. Lastly, if you don’t have any small children, then high deductible plans are a good way to go- small children tend to need more healthcare than others.

How Can I Get My Money’s Worth From A High-Deductible Plan?

The first way to get your money’s worth from a high deductible plan? To quote a classic Motown song: you better shop around. Know which services can be accessed via urgent care- urgent care is usually much less expensive than ER care. Also, if you inform healthcare providers up front that you intend to pay cash for services, then you may be able to obtain a discount. Also, if you know in advance that you’ll need to visit a hospital for a certain reason, hospitals are legally required to post their prices online.

The second way to get the best out of a HDHP? Get a health savings account – more commonly and more simply called an HSA. A health savings account is a special savings account that can only be used for medical expenses. They’re special because they’re tax-free and may even help with saving for retirement. Only certain plans are eligible for HSAs, so let your HealthPlanOptionsToday team member know that you’re interested in this option.

Picking the Health Plan That’s Right For You

Choosing the proper healthcare plan can feel complex, but it isn’t rocket science. The team at HealthPlanOptionsToday is here to help. We’ll take the time and care to understand your individual needs and budget, and will curate a personalized health plan selection just for you. Call us at 855-218-34479 or click the button below, and we’ll be happy to get in touch with you.

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The Health Insurance Marketplace Has Reopened For 2022 Enrollment… and we’re here to help.

The team at HealthPlanOptionsToday will help you get the plan you need.

When Is Enrollment For Obamacare Plans?

Have you been wanting to switch to an Obamacare/health insurance marketplace health insurance plan?

If you live in an eligible state (some states have their own health insurance marketplaces), then the time to enroll is now. Open enrollment began November 1, 2021 and ends January 15, 2022.

If you would like coverage that begins on January 1, 2022, the time to enroll is now- you have until December 15 to enroll.

Thanks to the global pandemic, enrollment periods have opened and closed at irregular times throughout the last two years. However, the 2022 enrollment period marks a return to the typical year-end enrollment process.

How Can I Sign Up For Health Insurance?

The team at HealthPlanOptionsToday.com is standing by and ready to help with all your healthcare enrollment needs, including Obamacare/Healthcare marketplace plans.

Just give our team a call and we’ll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your needs, and help you select a plan that’s perfect for you.

Give us a call today at 855-218-3447, or click the button below and we’ll get in touch with you with more information.

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