Insurance Basics: Home
Your employer may offer more than one health plan, or you may be shopping for your own individual plan.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 makes it easier for many Americans to get health insurance. It also expands the services that health plans need to cover.
Your plan contracts with a wide range of doctors and other practitioners, as well as hospitals, labs, radiology facilities, pharmacies and other providers. These are the providers in your “network”. Each of these providers has agreed to take your plan´s contracted rate as payment in full for services.
Your plan´s rules and costs may differ for some types of care. Knowing these rules can help you control your costs and get the right care in the right setting.
For many health services, you have time to plan and shop around. If you’re getting the service in a hospital or health system, you may be able to check the price ahead of time at different facilities. You can also use the Shoppable Services tool on this website to learn the average price for the service in your area and surrounding areas.
This article will tell you what Medicaid is and how it works. It will also tell you whom and what Medicaid covers, including long-term care, and how to sign up for it. Finally, it will tell you about dual eligibility for adults 65 and older who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. This article doesn’t provide legal or financial advice. Consider speaking to a financial advisor or lawyer if you have questions about your specific situation.
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