Health Insurance Plans: Which Plan is Right for You? | Mass.gov

When choosing a health plan, it’s important to consider the differences between your options. Some plans provide more generous coverage, while others could leave you responsible for high medical bills. Shopping for health insurance can be overwhelming, but remember, if the plan sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

discount plans

Don’t buy a discount plan as an alternative to health plan coverage. discount plans charge a monthly fee in exchange for access to health care services at a reduced rate. These plans are not insurance and do not make any payments when you need health care services. instead, they allow you to get a discount on some of your medical charges. Discount plans may look like a cheap health plan, but they are not health insurance and do not meet Massachusetts’s “individual mandate” requirement for health coverage. You should check with your doctor or local pharmacist to see if you will receive any real savings before giving your money or personal information to anyone who offers discounts on health care.

Ministry plans for sharing health care.

These plans allow groups of people with a religious affiliation to share in the cost of certain specific health care costs. HCMSs are not insurance and are not supervised by state insurance departments. members generally pay a monthly fee that allows them to submit qualified medical expenses to share with other hcsm members. There are no specific consumer protections that apply to these plans. they may not guarantee any payment and may not necessarily pay for the same types of services that health insurance covers.

Always review plan benefits and limitations carefully before enrolling or paying any fees. that way you can see ahead of time if the plan is right for you and your family. ask what benefits the plan does and does not cover, what benefits have limits; ask if the plan covers your prescription drugs; ask where you can see a list of health care providers in the plan’s network.

Remember to add up how much you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for deductibles and copays and items that aren’t covered. high out-of-pocket costs can soon eat up savings from lower monthly premiums. you should ask what the monthly premium you would pay for the plan, what your out-of-pocket costs will be and if there is a maximum, and what the deductible is.

Don’t be fooled by bogus health plans sold online or through unsolicited faxes or phone calls. You should always be careful when browsing the web. Please review any website carefully and look for disclaimers such as “this is not insurance” or “not available in massachusetts”.

When you find a health plan that seems to meet your needs, check the insurance division’s website or call to find out if the company is licensed to sell that type of insurance in massachusetts before committing to purchase the product. Be careful not to give out personal information or make a payment in response to an unsolicited fax or without first checking.

remember: stop. to call. confirm.

If you’re not sure which insurance company you’re dealing with, stop before signing any documents or writing a check; call the doi; and confirm that the company or agent offering the insurance is legitimate and licensed in the state.