Understanding the Basics of Health Insurance

Before we dive into the details of the best health insurance plans for 2020, it's crucial to understand the basics of health insurance. Health insurance is a type of coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured. It can reimburse the insured for expenses incurred from illness or injury, or pay the care provider directly. It's typically included in employer benefit packages as a means of enticing quality employees. Health insurance is a form of coverage that prevents you from paying the full cost of medical services when you’re injured or sick. Just like car insurance or home insurance, you choose a plan and agree to pay a certain rate, or premium, each month.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Choosing a health insurance plan can be a daunting task given the numerous options available. However, understanding your health needs and financial capability can guide you in making the right decision. Consider factors like premium costs, out-of-pocket maximums, coverage of prescription drugs, your doctors, and hospitals in the policy's network. Also, consider the type of plan and its details, such as HMO, PPO, EPO or POS.

Types of Health Insurance Plans

There are four main types of health insurance policies: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) and Point of Service (POS) plans. HMOs are usually the most restrictive about which doctors you can see and what you must do to see them. This usually means that the insurers save on your cost of care and thereby provide lower premiums.

Best Health Insurance Plans for 2020

Based on the factors discussed above, here are some of the best health insurance plans for 2020. Firstly, UnitedHealthcare stands out as it offers a wide selection of health insurance plans with numerous options. Furthermore, it provides health insurance in all 50 states, with over 1.2 million health care professionals and 6,500 hospitals and other facilities. Secondly, Blue Cross Blue Shield is a federation of 36 separate health insurance organizations and companies in the United States. Combined, they directly or indirectly provide health insurance to over 100 million Americans, making it a reliable option.

Comparison of the Best Health Insurance Plans

Comparing different health insurance plans can give you a better picture of what each offers. For instance, while UnitedHealthcare offers a national presence, Aetna provides a more personalized approach to health care. On the other hand, Kaiser Permanente is known for its strong customer service and comprehensive coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a wide variety of plans catering to different needs. Take your time to compare the best health insurance plans based on your needs and budget.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan

Choosing the best health insurance plan requires balancing cost and coverage. Determine your regular health expenses and consider if the premium, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are affordable for you. Also, check if your preferred healthcare providers are in the plan's network. If you have a preferred doctor, make sure that physician is in-network. Lastly, check the list of prescription drugs that the plan covers. If you take medication regularly, see if that medication is on the plan's list. Remember, the best health insurance plan is one that caters to your specific health needs and fits within your budget.