Step 1: Choose your health insurance marketplace

How you shop for health insurance will depend on what’s available to you.

If your employer offers health insurance
Most people with health insurance get it through an employer. If your employer offers health insurance, you won’t need to use the government insurance exchanges or marketplaces, unless you want to look for an alternative plan. But plans in the marketplace are likely to cost more than plans offered by employers. This is because most employers pay a portion of workers’ insurance premiums.

If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance
Shop your state’s online marketplace, if available, or the federal marketplace to find the plan that's best for you. Start by going to HealthCare.gov and entering your ZIP code. You’ll be sent to your state’s exchange, if there is one. Otherwise, you’ll use the federal marketplace.

You can also purchase health insurance through a private exchange or directly from an insurer. If you choose these options, you won’t be eligible for premium tax credits, which are income-based discounts on your monthly premiums.

Step 2: Compare types of health insurance plans

You’ll encounter some alphabet soup while shopping for the best health insurance plan. The most common types of health insurance policies are HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans. What you choose will help determine your out-of-pocket costs and which doctors you can see.


​Comparing health insurance plans: HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS

Look for a summary of benefits

Online marketplaces usually provide a link to the summary of benefits, which explains all the plan's costs and coverages. A provider directory, which lists the doctors and clinics that participate in the plan’s network, should also be available. If you’re going through an employer, ask your workplace benefits administrator for the summary of benefits.

Weigh your family’s medical needs

Look at the amount and type of treatment you’ve received in the past. Though it’s impossible to predict every medical expense, being aware of trends can help you make an informed decision.

Consider whether you want a referral system of care

Plans that require referrals

If you choose an HMO or POS plan, which require...

Continue Reading at Nerdwallet: https://community.themomproject.com/the-study/understanding-evaluating-employer-provided-insurance