Buying Health Insurance For Dummies Online

: Higher premiums, but lower costs when you get care. Best if you have ongoing medical needs. 3. Networks: HMO vs. PPO

: The fixed amount you pay every month to keep your insurance active, even if you don't go to the doctor.

Before comparing plans, you need to understand the five main ways you pay for care: buying health insurance for dummies

: The absolute most you will pay in a year. Once you hit this, the insurance company pays 100% of covered costs. 2. Choosing Your "Metal" Level

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), plans are often categorized by "metal" levels, which tell you how you and the plan share costs: : Higher premiums, but lower costs when you get care

Insurance companies have "networks" of doctors they’ve negotiated cheaper rates with.

: An annual period (usually late fall) where anyone can sign up for the next year. Networks: HMO vs

: You pay less if you use providers in the network, but you have the flexibility to see out-of-network doctors for a higher cost. No referrals are usually needed. 4. How to Sign Up