Wednesday, 29 October 2014

How To Choose Good Group Health Medical Plans

By Jeannie Monette


Many companies offer medical insurance to their employees. This is an added perk received by many workers because it gives them coverage in case any medical emergencies arise. It also provides coverage at a cheaper cost than if the individual were to enroll in a plan on their own. Many insurance companies offer a variety of packages. Before you choose group health medical plans, there are many things you need to consider first.

Companies wanting to offer a policy like this must take a realistic view of how much the company can afford to spend and what the available options are. Although these insurance premiums are tax deductible, it will still be a major expense for the company, especially larger companies with several hundred or thousands of employees. Companies should try to get the best policy possible within reasonable means.

Secondly, you yourself must decide whether to enroll in the policy. You should check if the policy will be offered to cover any children or an unemployed spouse, if this applies to your situation. If this is being offered, then you will likely pay a higher premium. You should also check whether there are any deductibles that you must pay before the insurance starts to cover costs.

Most group plans can be divided into two different types, mainly the traditional managed care plan or a high deductible plan, which is normally combined with a Health Savings Account. The managed care option offers lower deductibles and wider coverage. Patient care is normally provided through health management organizations or preferred provider organizations, depending on the flexibility of the policy.

There are other things you must check out as well. If you take a prescription medication, ask if your prescription is covered by the policy. If you plan on having children in the future, ask if the policy covers the costs of delivering a baby.

However, it should be mentioned that both HMOs and PPOs offer these options with higher premiums. The individual has more options, but is paying more on an annual basis to do so. This is something that both companies and employees will need to bear in mind.

Also, do not forget to check any relevant government medical boards for information on your plan. Different independent organizations within government often rate insurers. You need to find out if you insurer and the medical policy you are under have received a good or bad rating.




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