Tips for Choosing a Florida Health Insurance Plan

There is no denying that health insurance is important for everyone, especially with new laws that have gone into place over the course of the last year. However, choosing a Florida health insurance provider can certainly be a tedious process. Here are some tips for choosing the best plan for you and your family.

Tip #1 – Choose a Plan that Meets Your Needs

This may sound simple enough, but it is important to consider that not all Florida health insurance plans are created equally. There are three types of plans, including HMO or Health Maintenance Organizations, PPO or Preferred Provider Organizations, and  POS or Point of Service Plans. An HMO plan will require you to use doctors, specialists, surgeons and even hospitals within specific networks. Although this gives you less flexibility, you will enjoy reduced costs. A PPO, on the other hand, gives you the option to use in-network providers at a reduced cost or venture out of network for a larger fee. Finally, a POS plan is a combination of the two that typically requires you to select a primary care physician, but provides you with the option to choose out of network specialists and surgeons with a referral from that provider.

Tip #2 – Consider Your Future Needs

You will need to consider the things that will be happening in the future before you purchase a Florida health insurance plan. For example, if you are planning to have a baby within the next year or two, you will want to choose a plan that includes comprehensive medical coverage. Similarly, if you have selected an obstetrician, you will want to ensure that the plan you choose includes that obstetrician in its network. Please keep in mind that all health insurance providers are now required to include children up to age 26 in their parents’ plans unless they have access to insurance through their employers.

Tip #3 – Premium vs. Out of Pocket Costs

You should also take the time to consider the amount of your insurance premiums when compared to your out of pocket costs. Many Florida health insurance plans are quite customizable in this aspect; you can choose the amount of your deductible, the amount of coverage you will receive during a year and even the amount of your copays in order to fine-tune the cost of your premiums. Those who are young and healthy may be able to trade pricey premiums for higher deductibles, making their coverage more affordable but still available to them in emergency situations.

Tip #4 – Free Preventative Care

One of the most important things to look into when selecting Florida health insurance plans is whether or not free preventative care is offered. These days, healthcare providers and even insurance companies have realized that ensuring people receive the regular care they need—annual physicals for adults and well-child visits for infants and toddlers—can decrease the overall cost of healthcare significantly. Some other things that you may be able to access for free include routine screenings for cancers and other maladies, dental cleanings and even regular hearing screenings.

Armed with the right information and a firm understanding of the various Florida health insurance plans that are available to you can help you select a plan that fits both your needs and the needs of your entire family.