If you’re one of the three million people in Florida without health insurance, don’t let the confusion of choosing a plan stop you from being protected. Knowing how to compare different plans can help you secure the best coverage at the best rate.
Read this guide to help you find the perfect Florida health insurance for you and your family.
Choose Your Marketplace
If your employer offers a health insurance option, this is your first place to look. Those who don’t have the option of buying through their employer can look to the federal marketplace.
A third option is to purchase insurance through a private exchange. You can find independent insurance agencies such as this health plan.
Choose a Plan Type
When it comes to the plan types, you’ll see a series of letters. There are PPOs, HMOs, POS, and EPOs. Look at the summary of benefits to understand what your cost is for each.
HMO
You’ll need to stay in-network for your care, and you’ll need a referral for specialists. The advantage is lower out of pocket expenses and a doctor who coordinates care for you.
PPO
You don’t have to stay in-network, but if you do, it’ll be cheaper. You won’t need a referral for special procedures. You’ll have more options, but you’ll pay more out of pocket for them.
EPO
You need to stay in-network, but you don’t have to get referrals. You’ll have less freedom when choosing providers but have lower out of pocket costs.
POS
You don’t have to stay in-network, but doing so will save you money. If you want to see a specialist, you’ll need a referral. You have more provider options and a primary doctor to coordinate for you.
Compare Networks
If you have a preferred doctor, you’ll want to make sure you choose a plan that will let you continue to see them. Generally, your costs will be lower when you go to an in-network doctor.
Choosing a plan with an extensive network is smart if you don’t have a preferred doctor. This will give you the greatest amount of choice when you do need to see someone.
Compare Benefits
Once you have your options narrowed down, you need to look at the benefits of each plan. Make sure the plan you choose offers coverage for your family’s specific needs.
This could be coverage for physical therapy, or a particular medication, or maternity services. Maybe you travel abroad frequently and need coverage if you get sick overseas.
Find Your Florida Health Insurance
By working through this process, you can ensure that you find the best Florida health insurance coverage for your family. Start by choosing the right marketplace.
Then determine what type of plan you want. Compare the networks to ensure you can see the medical professionals you want. Finally, make sure the benefits cover the services you need.
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