Health insurance plans in U.S are designed for people currently residing in U.S who seek comprehensive medical coverage. The maximum limits for these health insurance plans can go up to $ 8 million and it can cover drugs, dental, vision, maternity and childbirth benefits. If you are planning to stay in the U.S for more than a year then you can go for health protection such as the above with desired benefits. U.S citizens, H1, F1, F2 & F4 and green card holders can qualify for these plans.
There are many types of health insurance plans in U.S like Health Management Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization ( PPO) plans. If you have prior creditable coverage like a group insurance or any other individual plan in U.S health insurance plans will offer coverage for pre existing conditions also. In a HMO plan you pay the monthly premium and the HMO covers the doctor’s visits, hospital charges, surgery, lab tests and therapy. They are pre paid plans. An advantage of this plan is that you need not fill up forms for claim. You can just present a card like a credit card at the hospital or doctor’s office. These plans also cover preventive care, mammograms, check-ups etc. A PPO is a combination of traditional fee for service and a HMO. You have to choose your primary care doctor under this plan. Other doctors can be used but at a higher cost. For some services you have to pay deductible and coinsurance.
A guaranteed renewable policy is one where you can receive health insurance as long as you pay the premiums. It is also called a non-cancellable policy.
Many HMO’s offer an indemnity type option called the POS plan. Members of this plan can get themselves referred outside the plan and still get coverage. If the doctor makes the referral, most of the bill is paid by the insurance company. If you refer yourself then you might have to pay co insurance.
Fee for service plans is the traditional health plan where the insurance companies pay for the services provided to the insured people covered by the policy. This type of health insurance offers the wide range of choices of doctors and hospitals. You can choose the doctor and hospital of your choice. Under this plan the insurer pays only a portion of the doctor’s or hospital bill. You have to pay the monthly fee or premium. Each year a certain portion of money known as deductible is paid by you before the insurance payments begin. You have to check what health expenses are covered by the insurance policy. Regarding fee for service claims you might have to fill up forms and send them to the insurer. You will also have to maintain a record of receipts of drugs bought etc. Some services are limited or not covered at all like preventive health care coverage.
Fee for service coverage is of two types: Basic and Major medical. Basic coverage takes care of hospital and room expenses and surgery costs while in hospital. Major medical coverage is for long time illnesses or more serious injuries requiring longer treatment.
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