Medical billing can seem complicated for healthcare providers who are new to the process. One term that often causes confusion is “IPA.” So what exactly does IPA stand for, and why is it important for medical billing? IPA stands for “Independent Physician Association.” An IPA is an organization made up of multiple physician groups that … Read more
If you’ve been in an accident, one of the first steps is filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. A question many accident victims have is: how long does it take for an insurance company to accept liability after a claim is filed? The answer depends on several factors related to the claim … Read more
One of the key components of any health insurance policy is the deductible. This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance benefits kick in. Deductibles work a bit differently with Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans compared to other types of policies. This article will explain how deductibles function in a PPO, how … Read more
Opportunity costs play a critical role in healthcare decision making. With limited healthcare budgets and resources, stakeholders must carefully consider the trade-offs involved with funding different programs and interventions. Understanding opportunity costs enables more informed and efficient allocation of scarce healthcare funds. What Are Opportunity Costs? Opportunity costs refer to the value of the best … Read more
Having health insurance helps protect you from large medical expenses. However, most plans involve cost-sharing through deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. One approach some health plans use is a combined medical and drug deductible. What is a Deductible? First, let’s review what a deductible is. A deductible is the amount you pay for healthcare services before … Read more
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save money on healthcare expenses. With an HSA, you can make tax-free contributions and use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free. This includes prescriptions and other items purchased at pharmacies. But can you use your HSA card at just any pharmacy? The short … Read more
Medicaid and the health insurance marketplace, sometimes called “Obamacare,” are two major ways people can obtain health coverage in the United States. But they have some key differences in terms of how they work, who is eligible, and what benefits they provide. Understanding the distinctions between Medicaid and marketplace plans can help you determine which … Read more
When you have health insurance through UnitedHealthcare, you are assigned a unique policy number. This number helps identify you as a member and provides important details about your specific coverage. Knowing where to find your UnitedHealthcare policy number can be useful when you need to verify your insurance details with healthcare providers or customer service. … Read more
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a powerful savings tool that allow you to set aside pre-tax or tax-deductible funds for medical expenses. Many HSA providers issue a debit card that offers convenient access to your HSA balance. A common question is whether this HSA debit card can be used at ATMs. The short answer is … Read more
Costco Wholesale is known for providing exceptional benefits, including health insurance coverage, for its employees. Compared to many other major retailers, Costco employees get comprehensive health benefits at very low personal cost. Costco Health Benefits Overview Costco offers health insurance options that include: Medical plans Dental plans Vision plans Prescription drug coverage Mental health benefits … Read more