Health Insurance In Winston-Salem, North Carolina - 3 Key Steps
If you are searching for health insurance in Winston-Salem, you have probably discovered that finding the exact right plan is not
as simple as it might have initially seemed. It is not easy finding the time to do the research and followup necessary to lock down an insurance plan that matches your current needs and circumstance.
If you're wondering how to begin, we can help. Below are three key steps for finding a great health insurance plan in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Facts About Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem was created in 1913 from two towns originally about a 1 mile apart. Winston was named in 1851 for Major Joseph Winston, a Revolutionary War hero. Salem (from the Hebrew shalom, meaning "peace") was laid out in 1766 by Moravian colonists in the centre of their Wachovia land tract; it was incorporated in 1856, when the land was sold to outsiders. Richard Joshua Reynolds founded his tobacco company there in 1875, and tobacco still dominates the city's diversified industry, which includes the manufacture of textiles, beer, food products, apparel, batteries, and swimming pool filters and pumps. In addition to manufacturing, Winston-Salem is a large financial centre with several banks headquartered there.
Key Step Number 1: Compare different types of health care plansWinston-Salem was created in 1913 from two towns originally about a 1 mile apart. Winston was named in 1851 for Major Joseph Winston, a Revolutionary War hero. Salem (from the Hebrew shalom, meaning "peace") was laid out in 1766 by Moravian colonists in the centre of their Wachovia land tract; it was incorporated in 1856, when the land was sold to outsiders. Richard Joshua Reynolds founded his tobacco company there in 1875, and tobacco still dominates the city's diversified industry, which includes the manufacture of textiles, beer, food products, apparel, batteries, and swimming pool filters and pumps. In addition to manufacturing, Winston-Salem is a large financial centre with several banks headquartered there.
There are several types of health plan options that you may choose from in Winston-Salem NC. Even a couple that you may not be aware of - like faith-based health plans. Faith-based health plans, or health care sharing plans, (as they are sometimes referred to), function very much like traditional health insurance plans. However, they are not insurance plans at all - at least not in a legal sense. There are also the new short-term plans. They are so different from what was offered previously, they should be considered a brand new option. We will touch on all the options available in the Winston-Salem North Carolina region, below.
Good to know: You shouldn't promptly pay medical bills. Yes, you read that right. The reason is, healthcare providers tend to send bills well before the insurance company has decided what part of the claim they are obligated to pay. The average person sees a bill and thinks they are obligated to pay it. This couldn't be further from the truth. Health care companies routinely shoots out bills to everyone one involved - regardless of who is actually responsible for paying it. You need to know what the insurer is going to pay before you do anything. Our advice? Don't pay a dime until you get an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurer that explains your claim and how much they are paying.
Health plan options In Winston-Salem North Carolina Include:
- Traditional health insurance plans.
Traditional health insurance refers to health insurance plans that are offered via the Affordable Care Act umbrella (ACA). Companies offering these plans include: BlueCross BlueShield. - Short-term health insurance.
Short-term health insurance plans are not so "short" any more. Do to recent changes in health insurance guidelines, you can now, in some cases, keep the same low-cost short-term health insurance plan for a year or more - making such plans a serious long-term health insurance option. Companies offering these plans include: United Healthcare, National General. - Faith-based healthcare coverage (Healthcare sharing plans).
Faith-based, or healthcare sharing plans is the exponentially exploding new market. Their unique plan structure makes such plans an intriguing and affordable alternative to traditional health insurance plans. Companies offering these plans include: OneShare Health.
When evaluating your options always review the plan's summary of benefits. Most health plans summaries are closely associated with the plan descriptions found on any quality online health plan source. A provider directory, which displays the facilities and doctors that are part of the plan's physician network, should also be readily available.
Also, when comparing various plans, make certain to pay serious attention to your family's current medical needs. Consider the cost and manner of treatment you have gotten in the past. Though it is not possible to foretell every future medical circumstance, being aware of your family's medical history can assist you in making the right decision.
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| Brenner Children's Hospital Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem, NC 27157 Telephone: (336) 713-4500 Plus Code: 3PQJ+RH Winston-Salem, Winston, NC |
Good to know: High-deductible plans come at a cost: You'll pay less each month in terms of premiums, but if you do have to use any medical services, you'll pay out of pocket for longer thanks to that high deductible. Still, if you're looking to lower your monthly costs and you're someone who doesn't frequent the doctor often, high-deductible plans are a valid option.
Key Step Number 2: Review physician / hospital Networks
Be sure to check the hospital/physician network of any plan that you are considering. Make certain the specific hospitals or doctors you desire, are participating in the network. The expense of utilizing a physician or hospital that is out-of-network, can be staggering. Insurance firms negotiate with physicians and hospitals to obtain more reasonable rates. When you opt out of the network, those negotiated rates are not available to you. If you have personal doctors and you want to keep visiting them, make certain they are part of the provider network associated with your plan.
Key Step Number 3: Compare out-of-pocket costs
Perhaps the most important part of any health plan is the amount you will be responsible to pay should a medical need arise. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what your plan will pay toward a medical bill, and what you will be required to pay. You need to be clear on this issue for most every possible medical circumstance. This includes office visits, x-rays and laboratory tests, emergency room visits, hospital procedures and stays, etc. Also, make sure you know the maximum amount your plan will pay toward every medical circumstance. Many plans have lifetime limits. Some plans have procedure limits. These are things you do not want to learn of after you gone through a medical circumstance. You need to have pertinent knowlege concerning these issues before you purchase your health insurance plan. When it comes to finding a good health insurance plan in Winston-Salem, there is a lot you need to know. Talk to the experts. We are happy to help. Give us a call today.
Other articles:
Explaining The Growth of Healthcare Sharing Healthplans
Is Short-Term Health Insurance Right For You?
More Resources
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