Dentists in many states can effectively ask you to pay the full un-discounted billed rate, rather than the negotiated rate, after you have reached your calendar-year maximum, even if the dentist is in-network. Let’s say…
Below is the definition of deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums: Not all items are equal in being included in your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum: What counts towards your deductible What does not count to your deductible…
After you leave your job, by law you have 60 days to elect COBRA health insurance continuation coverage. COBRA insurance is usually much more expensive than your monthly premiums because you are also paying your…
Short-term health insurance plans may be an option for certain people. The prices are often a fraction of full insurance plans. These have not been very popular because low-income patients often quality for charity care…
The way many insurance companies reimburse hospitals for maternity services may be different than routine doctor’s visits. Instead of the hospital billing the insurance company for every procedure and visit, they agree with the insurance…
Most insurances have a yearly out-of-pocket maximum. That means in any given year, the maximum you will pay for all covered medical costs is a number ranging from $500 to $15,000 (for high deductible plans)….
The US health insurance is complicated because you often have a separate medical, dental, and vision plan. And each of your three insurances are usually from three different insurance companies! They each cover different medical…
If you have flexibility in determining your last day at the office, pick the start of the month. Many companies have policies where health insurance coverage lasts until the end of the month. This may…
Many health insurances promote one “free” preventive care or wellness visit benefit per year. But this is only free if the physician does not find additional health issues that warrant a change in your current…
Balance billing is when a healthcare provider charges you a bill even after your insurance has paid them. Balance billing often happens when the physician or health care company is out-of-network. That is, the insurance…
Many specialist doctors offices have a financial assistance policy. Look for it on their website or call them. Specialist offices that are affiliated with a health system follow the financial assistance policy of the parent…
You can go to any primary care office and negotiate a cash rate. Many give a 30-50% discount off their list price if you call and ask before you go. But the real answer you’re…