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
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
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
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
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
Hitting a deer can be a scary and dangerous experience for any driver. These unpredictable animals can dart out in front of your vehicle unexpectedly, leaving you with little time to react. The resulting collision often causes extensive damage to your car. After such an incident, one of the first questions on your mind is … Read more
When you first enroll in Medicare, you’ll receive a red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. This card is your proof of Medicare coverage. It contains important information like your Medicare number and your coverage effective dates. A common question many Medicare beneficiaries have is whether their Medicare card ever expires. Do you … 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
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
The US healthcare system is complex, with many different organizations and individuals playing important roles. Though the system has significant problems with cost, quality, and equity, major shifts over the past decade are leading healthcare organizations to focus more on keeping people healthy rather than just treating illness. Understanding the key players and their incentives … Read more