How to choose a medical insurance provider... I'm so confused.?

Question

I've been talking to insurance providers and I'm so confused. At first, before I realized that I was going to be getting calls from so many providers, I was providing the information in a yahoo question, but it seems that is not going to be a practical way to go about it. What I do need is some guidance. It's hard to know if and how to get an unbiased opinion... some say I should not have enrollment fees... there's been mention of "savings plans" some say they are both a savings plan and medical insurance, some say a PPO Savings Plan... How do I determine that I'm getting what I should? Is there a list of stuff I should be making sure I have covered, how much should be covered, a way to learn the legitamacy of the company once i've narrowed it down to their services, or someplace I could call for help with this? Please HELP!!!! Thanks.

Answer 1

OK, the PROVIDER is the DOCTOR.  You want help choosing a doctor?  Call the number on the back of your insurance card.

You want help selecting an INSURANCE plan?  Go to a local, independent agent to get answers appropriate to YOUR AREA.  

There are a way, way, way lot of options.  You don't want to buy online, anyway, to avoid getting scammed.  It doesn't cost you extra to use a local agent, and THEY can custom tailor information - AND answer questions that develop as you go along - to give you the great personalized service you deserve.  So hit your local yellow pages, or search on yahoo for local (your city)  independent health insurance agent.

Answer 2

Do not attempt to buy insurance off the internet. Find an independant agent in your area and he will be able to locate several options depending on how much you need medically and can afford financially.

Answer 3

The way to choose the best medical insurance provider is to make sure that you only pick a company that is well known, trustworthy, has a large network of Doctors and hospitals, and has comprehensive major medical plans that do not have annual limits or procedure limits in the policy.

Choose a plan from a trusted company like Blue Cross, Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare, etc.

The important thing is to make sure that you have adequate coverage in case something major happens like surgery, a broken bone, cancer, etc. All of the extras like copays for Doctor's office visits, maternity coverage, prescription coverage and the like are entirely up to you to decide if the cost is worthwhile for you to purchase (you should almost always purchase the prescription coverage).

Compare quotes from multiple companies and then enlist the help of an independent health insurance agent so that they can help you comparison shop.

Here is some more information on how to choose the best health insurance agent:

Answer 4

First, make a list of what you need medically.  Do you have health issues that require many dr visits or prescriptions?  Then you'll want an HMO with copays, but you'll pay more for the policy.  Do you only go to the dr once a year? Then a policy where you pay 80/20 may be better, and less expensive.  

Are you planning on having a baby? (Or are you in a position where you could become pregnant) Then make sure there is maternity coverage.

Make sure there is inpatient and ER coverage.    It is about calling a lot of places, and taking a lot of notes and deciding what you want.

Answer 5

You have most likely filled out a form online from an insurance marketing group, not actual providers.  They in turn sell your info to dozens of agents.  Not good.

Find an independent health insurance agent/agency in your state and tell them what you are looking for.  Their guidance should be all that you need.

http://www.ohioinsureplan.com/index.php/...

Answer 6

As you can see with all the different health carriers and plans available most people really should use a health insurance broker. A Broker represents multiple carriers and can help you sort through all the different insurance companies and plan options in your state.

For example a typical broker can have access to 10 major carriers and 60 different plans just for one state.

You can try doing your own research on the internet, but if you give a good broker 5 minutes they will be able to make suggestions on which carrier may fit you best.

I suggest using yellowpages.com to search for health insurance brokers in your area.

Don't call your auto and home agent they specialize in property and causality insurance. You need someone that specializes in health insurance.

When you talk to the broker ask them what companies they sell, then after they make a reccommendation ask them why they picked that company for you over the other companies.