Health Insurance

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Requires you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals from them to see specialists. You must stay within the network for your care to be covered.
• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. You don't need a referral to see specialists and can receive care from both in-network and out-of-network providers, although out-of-network care will cost more.
• EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): A mix between HMO and PPO. You do not need referrals to see specialists, but you must stay within the network for your care to be covered, except in emergencies.

A deductible is the out-of-pocket amount for covered healthcare services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Higher deductible plans often have lower monthly premiums, while lower deductible plans usually have higher premiums but less out-of-pocket costs when you need care.

Most health insurance plans cover a range of preventive services at no additional cost to you, even if you haven't met your deductible. These services can include immunizations, screenings, and annual wellness visits. It's essential to check your specific plan details to understand the coverage.

Yes, you can add eligible family members, such as a spouse and children, to your health insurance plan. Adding family members will generally increase your monthly premium, but it provides comprehensive coverage for your entire family under one plan.

If your plan is an HMO, you'll need a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist. For PPO and EPO plans, you can see specialists without a referral, but staying within your network will save you money. It's important to review your plan details to understand the process and coverage for specialized treatments.