HMO and PPO plans are common insurance options that feature networks of approved healthcare providers. But they differ significantly in how they operate and control costs. Here’s how to determine which type of medical coverage you have. What is an HMO Health Plan? HMO stands for health maintenance organization. This type of health insurance plan … Read more
Medicare Advantage plans play a valuable role in expanding coverage beyond Original Medicare. Learn about the extra services and cost savings that make Medicare Advantage an important option for many. What is Medicare Advantage? Medicare Advantage (MA), sometimes called Medicare Part C, refers to private insurance plans that provide Medicare Part A and Part B … Read more
Understanding how independent agents and brokers differ allows you to choose the right professional for your insurance needs. Here’s an overview of their distinct roles and services. An independent insurance agent and an insurance broker serve similar functions – helping consumers find and purchase policies. But they operate under different business models. Learning the key … Read more
If you’ve shopped for insurance or filed a claim before, you’ve likely come across the term “insurance carrier.” But what exactly does it mean? What’s the difference between a carrier and other common insurance terms like provider, underwriter, or agent? This comprehensive guide will explain the meaning of insurance carrier and how carriers fit into … Read more
When enrolling in an Anthem Blue Cross health insurance plan in California, you’ll have the choice between HMO and PPO plans. But what exactly is the difference between Anthem’s HMO and PPO offerings? This guide will explain the key distinctions between Anthem Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans so you can determine which type of … Read more
If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you may receive premium bills from Medicare on a regular basis. But how often does Medicare actually send out these bills for your monthly premium payments? The frequency of Medicare premium billing depends on a few factors: Whether you have Part A, Part B, or both … Read more
Having straight, healthy teeth is important, but orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign can be expensive. Using two dental insurance plans to cover orthodontics may help reduce the costs. This article explains how you can use two dental insurances for orthodontics. Overview of Orthodontic Insurance Coverage Orthodontic coverage is not automatically included in dental insurance … Read more
Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross operate very different healthcare models, which leads many to wonder – does Kaiser Permanente accept Anthem Blue Cross insurance? The short answer is no. Kaiser Permanente only accepts its own insurance plans at its facilities and doctors’ offices. It does not accept Anthem Blue Cross plans. However, the healthcare … Read more
Loadings are extra charges added to insurance premiums to account for higher-than-expected risks. Loadings allow insurers to adjust pricing based on individual risk profiles. But how exactly do loadings work and when are they applied? What Is a Loading in Insurance? A loading is an additional premium charged to policyholders who are deemed higher risk … Read more
Medicare eligibility isn’t based on income levels or assets. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents 65 or older can enroll in Medicare. However, higher-income seniors may pay more for Medicare coverage. Those with limited means can qualify for financial assistance. Understanding how income affects Medicare costs helps you budget appropriately. Continue reading to learn more … Read more