Group Health Insurance Finder - Guide to Choosing Health Plans

For each group, choose the statement 1 or 2 that best describes how you feel:

1.   Having complete freedom to choose doctors and hospitals is the most important thing to me in a health plan, even if it costs more.

2.   Holding down my costs is the most important thing to me, even if it means limiting some of my choices.

1.   I travel a lot or have children that live away from me and we may need to see doctors in other parts of the country.

2.   I do not travel a lot and almost all care for my family will be needed in our local area.

1.   I don't mind a health insurance plan that includes filling out forms or keeping receipts and sending them in for payment.

2.   I prefer not to fill out forms or keep receipts. I want most of my care covered without a lot of paperwork.

1.   In addition to my premiums, I am willing to pay for the cost of routine and preventive care, such as office visits, checkups, and shots. I also like knowing that I can get an appointment for these services when I want one.

2.   I want a health plan that includes routine and preventive care. I don't mind if I have to wait for these services to be scheduled for an available appointment with my doctor.

1.   If I need to see a specialist, I probably will ask my doctor for a recommendation, but I want to decide whom to go to and when. I don't want to have to see my primary care doctor each time before I can see a specialist.

2.   I don't mind if my primary care doctor must refer me to specialists. If my doctor doesn't think I need special services that is fine with me.

If your answers are mostly 1: You want to make your own health care choices, even if it costs you more and takes more paperwork. Fee-for-service may be the best plan for you.

If your answers are mostly 2: You are willing to give up some choices to hold down your medical costs. You also want help in managing your care. Consider a health maintenance organization.

If your answers are some 1's and some 2's: You might want to look for a plan such as a preferred provider organization that combines some of the features of fee-for-service and a health maintenance organization.

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