I just recently got hired and I am filling out my benefits package, but I am not too experienced in it. I was wondering what's the difference between a POS and a HMO? My choices for health plans are: United ChoicePlus POS, Aetna HMO, Cigna HMO, HIP HMO, and I think there are some others. Out of these choices, which would you pick and why? Thanks so much in advance!!
2006-07-19 14:54:40 · 6 answers · asked by Fraspas 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
To hotmomma: That would be great! If I can ask you some more about the plans, I would appreciate it so much!!
2006-07-19 23:48:41 · update #1
To hotmomma: That would be great! If I can ask you some more about the plans, I would appreciate it so much!! My email is angelomike69@yahoo.com
2006-07-19 23:49:05 · update #2
An HMO is a "straight" plan. You need to pick a primary care physician (PCP) and can see only that doctor. If you need to see a specialist under this plan (say a dermatologist) you will need to go through your PCP to get a referral to go - you cannot just go on your own.
A POS (point of service) offers a little more flexibilty. If you stay within the plan of doctors they will either pay all or most of it (you have to check with the plan). You do have the option of going out of network and will probably have to pay a larger amount of your pocket.
One thing to consider in picking a plan is if they have a deductible and the cost of that. Let's say you have a $1000 deductible. Basically you will have to pay this $1000 out of your pockt before the insurance pays anything. Sometimes there is no deductible - you just need to find out.
Some plans do not offer preventative coverage (check ups) so check that out also. You should also check to see if they cover "urgent care visits". Like the walk in clinics - sometimes they are good for a cold or something simple - but some insurance plans don't cover them.
Will they cost you the same a month? Or is one cheaper than the other?
I hope I didn't confuse you with all of this. I worked in medical office for 10 years dealing with insurances and it is very confusing. If you have any questions, update your question and I'll send you my email address.
2006-07-19 15:09:41 · answer #1 · answered by hotmomma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-28 23:33:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to my Human Resource person in charge of benefits and talk with them and get some pamphlets on each on..It will explain cost, out of pocket expense like deductibles, limits to your insurance, what is covered, where you have to go for care, what hospital you need to go to...HMO are health maintains organizations and they work on the principle that you pay each month, are in a group of people that weighing all things you will be in good health and not need their services..therefore they pocket the money..as what most any insurance is banking on..I would talk with some people with your company and ask them what they have and how it works for them..One thing I will say is that make sure you study each type of insurance and make sure it will take care of you if you are sick or injured..health insurance is very expensive and it is very important to have..
2006-07-19 15:03:30 · answer #3 · answered by FloNightingGale 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
search on google.
2006-07-19 14:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gross, you should move to Canada.
2006-07-19 14:57:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check this out
http://mayoclinic.com/
2006-07-19 14:57:52 · answer #6 · answered by rich_below 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋