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Thursday, December 25, 2008

Managed Care Texas Health Insurance Plans

By Jordan FeRoss

There are many different types of health insurance in Texas. One of the most common is the managed care health plan, which contracts with a specific group of doctors, medical professionals and hospitals (a network) to provide care to their subscribers. These contracts enable insurers and health care providers to agree upon services offered and pricing for those services to keep costs manageable without compromising patient care. If a patient chooses to see a doctor or be admitted to a hospital that is out-of-network, the out-of-pocket costs increase considerably. While choice is limited for the patient, there is advantage of more affordable care.

The appeal of managed health care plans lies in the fact that they have lower premiums than other types of health insurance in Texas. This is largely due to the rates and fees charged for medical services agreed upon by the doctors and hospitals. They are chosen because they are willing to reduce their rates to work with the insurer. Expensive diagnostic testing and certain medical procedures are kept to a minimum or avoided entirely. In addition, managed care health plans offer wellness programs such as smoking cessation, so patients will stay healthier and require fewer visits to doctors and hospitals.

The managed care health system uses three types of plans:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) - With this plan, you can use doctors and other medical services that are within this network. It works the same way with health care insurance in Texas. An HMO has a primary care physician that you can select from the network. Members pay a set fee each time they visit the doctor.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) - This plan allows you to see any doctor you choose. The only disadvantage with this is that if the doctor is outside of the network, you will have to pay more. With health care insurance in Texas, it is strongly encouraged that people use a doctor within the network.

POS (Point Of Service) - This optional plan allows you to use doctors and other medical services outside of the HMO network. Also, you are not required to get a referral. Doctors and other providers used outside of the network will require you to pay more, even for health care insurance in Texas.

Even for those lucky enough to have an employer-sponsored health insurance plan in Texas, you'll most likely still need to pay a monthly premium. And, premiums aren't the only out-of-pocket costs for patients. Many insurance plans have high deductibles, which must be met before the insurer will pay any benefits to the insured, including emergency care. You'll want to compare plans and know your financial responsibility before choosing one.

Co-pays are another cost consideration for anyone choosing a health insurance plan in Texas. You usually need to cover your co-pays for every doctor and hospital visit and when filling prescriptions, even once you meet your deductible. With several managed care insurance plans (especially an HMO), there are limits to a patient's out-of-pocket annual expenses so costs do not get out of control.

Before choosing health insurance in Texas, it is important to know all the details of the plans you're considering to ensure you will be adequately covered and paying the lest amount for the coverage you need so that you won't break the bank while caring for your health.

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