The quality of health insurance plans varies widely. In 1997, a study published by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) explained differences in the ways managed care organizations give access to health care, keep people healthy, treat illness, provide good service, and satisfies patients. Research shows that Americans states that quality is upper most important thing they think about when selecting a health care plan. But research also proved that some people understand their options well sufficient to make an informed choice.



Quick Check for Quality

Look for a plan that:

?Has been rated greatly by its members on the things, which are important to you.

?That does a good job of assisting people stay well and getting better soon.

?Is qualified, if that is imperative to you.

?Have the doctors and hospitals you desire or require.

?Provides the benefits that you require.

?Provides services anywhere you need them.

?Also meets your budget.

?Who would also care for you (doctors and other health care providers), and how much option you would have.

?What kind of care you would actually receive (for example, which preventive services are covered?).

?Where you would receive your health care (which hospitals, for example).

?When you would receive your health care (would you receive it when you need it?).

?How you would be cared for (the quality of care you receive).

?How much you would pay.

?What are your real Choices?

The two major kinds of health plans are "fee-for-service" and "managed care." Managed care plans could go by many names:

?Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

?Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).

?Individual Practice Association (IPA).

?Point of Service (POS) plan, to name a few.

But different groups do not forever define these names the same way.

Do not be confused by whether the health plan is a "fee-for-service" plan, or whether the health plan is one of the other kinds of managed care plans. What you need to understand is not the health plan's label, but the features of the plan. Research shows that it is significant to understand your own options and how they affect your choice of providers and services, costs, and also quality of care.