How to Use Your Health Plan Health Plan Basics Types of Plans

Types of Plans

There are many kinds of health insurance. All kinds have rules that you must follow to get care.

Susan’s dad has a group HMO plan through his job.

Group vs. individual plans

• If you have health coverage through a job or union, you have group coverage.
• If you buy health insurance on your own, you have individual coverage.

HMOs

Most Californians who have health insurance—more than 17 million people—belong to an HMO (health maintenance organization).

PPOs

Many other people belong to a PPO (preferred provider organization). PPOs usually have more provider choices and higher costs than HMOs.

Other kinds of health insurance

There are many other kinds of health insurance. One kind is fee-for-service or indemnity insurance. This is usually the most expensive kind. You pay the bill and submit a claim to the insurance company. The company pays you back for most, but not all, of your costs. You can go to almost any doctor you choose. For more information, go to the Department of Insurance  . This link   describes different kinds of health insurance.

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