Are you confused as to what your health insurance covers? Not to worry, as the Obama administration says that’s going to change.
Currently, health insurance companies provide countless pages of “fine print” information on what’s covered under your plan. Comprehending that information takes time and a certain level of understanding that not many people possess. The Obama administration is addressing this by requiring new, easy to understand, summaries of coverage. Officials are calling these summaries a “nutrition label for health care,” naming it after information panels found on packaged foods in supermarkets.
What Is A “nutrition Label For Healthcare”?
Earlier this month, after attempting to determine the requirements for new health care labels for over a year, the White House finalized a key provision of the health reform law: standardized labels for health insurance plans. Starting on September 23, 2012, all employers and health insurance companies that offer individual or group plans will be required to comply with the new nutrition labels. Like the nutrition labels that they are named for, these summaries will provide easy-to-understand facts for health insurance plans. Health plan labels will include six pages for consumers to review, including price estimates for health care services, maximum out-of-pocket costs and a glossary. Although the labels won’t include monthly premium amounts, consumers will know what the baseline of the premium is before evaluating the plan details.
These “nutrition labels for healthcare” will provide an easier method to determine what health plan to select. Because the summaries will all use one standard format, it will allow for side-by-side comparisons of health care plans. By revealing select information in a standard location on these labels, families attempting to select between multiple employer plans and those purchasing coverage directly from insurance companies will be able to compare in a less stressful and more understanding manner. Although consumer representatives, insurers and employer groups were concerned with the fine print involved at first, they are more comfortable with them after thoroughly investigating the details. Eventually all private and employer health plans will be required to provide “nutrition labels for healthcare” so American consumers will get a chance to decide for themselves what they think is the best health insurance plan is for them.
Marietta Personal Injury Attorneys Understand Medical Coverage Plans
With over 45 years of combined experience representing injured victims throughout the state of Georgia, the top injury attorneys at Jones & Swanson have a vast knowledge of health insurance companies and coverage plans. The Woodstock personal injury lawyers at Jones & Swanson have developed an extensive directory of medical contacts, so understand what to look for in health insurance plans. Below are some tips on how to compare plans, which will be much easier to do with the implementation of the new “nutrition labels for healthcare”:
- Determine a monthly amount that you can afford to spend on the monthly premium.
- Research deductibles and select one that you would be comfortable paying.
- If in-network and out-of-network visits are important to you and your family, determine whether the plans you’re reviewing cover those.
- If you have a primary care physician, ensure that they’re covered with the plan.
- Determine any out-of-pocket costs that you may be liable for and ensure that you can afford them.
- When the labels are introduced, read them entirely so that you have a thorough understanding of what you’re purchasing.
Determining the correct health care plan for you and your family is a big step and research is important.
Kennesaw Personal Injury Lawyers Have Your Best Interests At Heart
Being injured in an accident can be frightening and disorienting. If you have been injured in an accident of any kind, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your health should be the foremost concern. Whether victims experience severe injuries and pain immediately after a car accident or an onset of pain and other symptoms later on, seeing a doctor right away is the only way to ensure your safety. Many accident victims attempt to endure the pain to avoid medical bills and fees, but seeking the appropriate care is extremely important. Only a qualified physician will be able to provide you with an appropriate evaluation and treatment protocol. Having appropriate health-care coverage makes any situation easier on those involved.
Whether your personal injury occurred in Acworth, Smyrna, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon or anywhere throughout Georgia, do not hesitate to contact the Marietta personal injury attorneys at Jones & Swanson. The affordable accident injury lawyers at our firm not only have experience representing every type of personal injury victim, but can also assist you in determining your health care insurance coverage. Please contact the Kennesaw auto accident lawyers at Jones & Swanson today for a free consultation and affordable representation. We are eager to discuss the ways in which our firm may be able to help you through a difficult time.
Categories: Georgia Laws, Health & Wellness, Insurance Claims
