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a health insurance plan for my small business
This type of coverage generally assumes that the medical provider (usually a doctor or hospital) will be paid a fee for each service rendered to the patient—you or a family member covered under your policy. With fee-for-service insurance, you go to the doctor of your choice and you or your doctor or hospital submits a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. You will only receive reimbursement for "covered" medical expenses, the ones listed in your benefits summary.
Other, more broadly written, policies may cover all expenses resulting from accident or illness using some specific exceptions.
When considering a change in employment, scrutinizing the potential employers health care plan is a given. Sadly, many people look at everything about a new job except the health care plan, just lumping it together with a “benefit package.” This could be a huge mistake. Contracting a debilitating illness or becoming an unwilling participant in an accident is not something that anyone can foresee. This is particularly true with young singles. Life situations change and a health care plan that was adequate for a single person may not apply should he/she marry and even have children while employed. If their policy has no provisions for the addition of dependents in the future you can find your health care woefully inadequate. Take the time to project what your future situation might be and plan accordingly.
Are lab fees and x-rays included? Can you choose your own physician or select from a list of providers? What is most important to you? Does the coverage include dental, vision, maternity, well-baby care, etc.
Primary Care Physician: Usually your first contact for health care. This is often a family physician or internist, but some women use their gynecologist. A primary care doctor monitors your health and diagnoses and treats minor health problems, and refers you to specialists if another level of care is needed.
So, before discussing the various plans that are available, we must first grasp an understanding of the complex nature of health insurance. Therefore, our first chapters are written specifically to help you understand the terminology and different components involved so that you can make those informed decisions and present it in plain English.
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