Managed Care
Over 50% of all people in the US have some form of a managed-care plan. The specifics of the plans are different but can include HMO’s (Health Maintenance Organizations), PPO’s (Preferred Provider Organizations) and POS (Point of Service Plans). These health insurance plans give health services to their members and offer savings to patients who use the providers in the plan.

Fee-for-Service.
The Fee for Service Plan will assume that the medical care giver will be paid for the services provided to the patient. Patients visit the doctor of their choosing, and the insurance claim is filed either by the patient or the care giver.

How do I Know which Plan is Right For Me?
If you are given a choice of plan by your employer, or if you need to purchase your own coverage, it's vital that you fully understand your health insurance choices and choose the health insurance that is right for your circumstances. If you don't understand, ask! Your Southern Insurance Group Agent is always ready to answer any questions you may have regarding your coverage choices.

Here are some things you should know before deciding:

• How much does the insurance plan cost?
• How much will I pay monthly?
• Should I purchase insurance for all my medical needs, or just catastrophic insurance coverage?
• How much is the deductable (the amount you have to pay before insurance coverage).
• Once I have paid my deductable, what percentage of the remaining bill will I be responsible for?
• How much difference is there in the cost if I use health care providers outside of the network?
• Am I covered for the services I am most likely to need?
• Beside the doctors, is the hospital, lab work and other medical treatments I may need in the network?
• What if I use a doctor outside of the network?
• What steps must I take to change my primary care physician?
• If I need to see a specialist, what steps must I take?
• If I have to visit an emergency care provider, how are the costs to me different?
• Am I covered for my preexisting condition?
• What if I have AIDS, Cancer, or another chronic illness?
• What are the restrictions on prescription drugs?
• Are alternative medical therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic treatment covered?
• What if I become pregnant, am I covered?

I am looking at a specific plan, how do I know it's right for me?

• Is the plan rated by government and independent groups? How have independent government and non-government organizations rated the plan?
• Were there any complaints filed by patients against the plan last year? If so, how were the complaints resolved?
• How popular is this plan? Were there many people that dropped the plan last year?
• Do the doctors, pharmacies, and other service providers have locations and operating hours that are convenient for me?
• Does my doctor have any experience with plan good or bad?

Contact your Southern Insurance Group Agent in Clermont Florida for assistance in determining the best health insurance plan for you.