Types of health insurance plans available

Getting a health insurance is undoubtedly a must have. When you are searching for the best health insurance quotes or scouting for popular health insurance plans, it is crucial to compare various policies. Here are some of the health insurance plans that are available in the country.

Health insurance plans fall under the following categories:

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
    An HMO plan requires you to avail of health care services only through a specified network of medical professionals, thus limiting greatly your choice of doctors. You would require a primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if necessary.
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
    Under the PPO plan, the flexibility with regard to choice of medical professional is more. If you consult with a doctor who is not on the network, then your costs would be higher.
  • Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
    Under an EPO plan, there would be no option of consulting a doctor who is out of the network, as such a physician’s costs will not be covered under the health insurance policy. However, you do not need a primary care physician’s referral.
  • Point of Service Plan
    A Point of Service Plan covers the HMO and PPO plans giving you a moderate degree of flexibility with regard to choice of doctor. You would be assigned to the care of a primary care physician who could refer you to an in network practitioner in which case, costs would be covered. You could consult an out of network doctor but have to pay those costs out of pocket.
  • Catastrophic Plan
    A catastrophic health insurance plan can be applied for if you are under the age of 30, which comes with a lower premium and requires a minimum of three visits to the primary physician before the deductibles will apply.
  • High Deductible Health Plan
    The advantage of the Highly Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account is that you can put aside money at intervals into this account to pay for your health care needs so that when the policy does not cover your expense, you have this savings account to fall back upon.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Tips to choose a good men’s deodorant
    It is not an unknown fact that the deodorant manufacturing industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry with consumers spending $18 billion on it per year as it has become an essential part of our lives. There are so many brands offering a vast variety of deodorants, and it is quite difficult to choose a good deodorant that works well for you. While a few choices may be a hit, a few can be disastrous. So, before taking the plunge here is a quick account to help you choose the best men deodorant. Deodorant or antiperspirant? Most consumers cannot find a good fragrance that works for them simply because they do not know the difference between a deodorant and antiperspirant. A deodorant keeps body odor in check by eliminating bacteria found in sweat. On the other hand, an antiperspirant keeps odor in check by slowing down the sweating process, by stopping the sweat glands and keeping sweat from reaching the skin. So, before you head towards purchasing the best men antiperspirant or deodorant, find out which one actually works for you. If you are not someone who perspires profusely and sweating is not really an issue for you, then you should avoid using an antiperspirant. Your aim should be to choose the best men deodorant. On the contrary, some people sweat profusely to a point that their shirt in the underarm region is drenched in sweat. This not only leads to bad body odor but also is also quite embarrassing. In such a case the best option is to use the best antiperspirants for men. Best of both worlds? The majority of deodorants manufactured today come in combo offers. This means that you have a product which is partially a deodorant and partially an antiperspirant. You might want to stay away from such products if you are looking for just a deodorant. This is because antiperspirants have certain drawbacks. The aluminum content in antiperspirants leave yellow stains on your clothes, and they also lead to excess sweating since the blocking of sweat glands can cause the glands to open up when the product is not in use. Consider a deo spray If you are looking for the best men deodorants, then consider the bottled sprays. Sprays dry up quickly, and their effect lasts much longer. Also, due to the stiff competition between brands, deodorants are no longer as expensive as they once used to be. Cheaper variants are available today without a compromise on quality. Check the ingredients While looking for the best men deodorant search for deodorants that are not too strong in fragrance. Just like other products such as detergents, soaps, shampoos and perfumes even deodorants have fragrance. This fragrance irritates the skin, even more so if you happen to shave your armpits. The stronger the fragrance in deodorant, the more irritating it shall be to the skin. A good sign to look out for in your quest for the best men deodorant is low alcohol content. Most deodorants have a high alcohol content to serve as a propellant and antimicrobial agent. This can really dry out and irritate the skin of those men who already have very dry or sensitive skin. Go natural There is a huge trend of going natural these days, and the sale of natural products seems to be on a steady rise. It is a good idea to search for good natural deodorants since these contain natural elements and herbs. They are very mild and can be good for the skin texture while eliminating odor effectively. Since natural products do not work for everyone, you will have to try a few out and see for yourself if natural deodorants work for you. You cannot deny that deodorants are an important aspect of men’s grooming. Choosing the one that suits you does make a huge difference. So, go for the one that is apt for you.
  • 7 ways to avoid dry socket after tooth extraction
    Wisdom teeth extraction is quite common among the adult population. However, the after effects of extraction pain, discomfort, or swelling is experienced by a very few. It is estimated that about 2% to 5% of tooth extraction patients suffer from dry socket later. When a tooth is extracted, a hole is left behind in the jawbone. This is called as a socket. After the tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the wound area. This clot is essential to speed up the healing process. However, the blood clot dislodges or dissolves in some cases and leads to the formation of dry socket. Dry socket forms after two to three days of tooth extraction with the intensity of pain gradually increasing. What does a dry socket look like? A hollow space can be seen from where the tooth was extracted. Bone and nerve endings can also be observed when a close examination of what does a dry socket look like is done. The bone and nerves become exposed to food, saliva, and bacteria. This leads to a lot of discomfort and pain. There can be bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth as well. Sometimes, the pain can extend to the ears and affect the entire face and neck. After tooth extraction, it is possible to avoid dry socket by taking a few preventive measures:
    • It is necessary to follow a proper oral hygiene routine of flossing and brushing. It is necessary to immediately remove any food particles that might get lodged in the empty socket.
    • A dentist can prescribe a medicated oral rinse that helps the healing process to be quicker and avoid the development of dry socket.
    • A solution of salt and warm water can be used to rinse the mouth after every meal. This removes excess bacteria from the mouth.
    • The wound at the extraction site should not be touched at all, other than to remove gauge or any medicated paste. This should be done by a dentist to avoid any damage to the empty socket.
    • Smoking or drinking through a straw should be avoided for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction.
    • For four days following tooth extraction, avoid the consumption of food that might leave debris between the teeth. Peanuts, popcorn, pasta or any hard food should be avoided. Have soft and easily chewable food such as soups, pudding, mashed vegetables and so on.
    • Avoid drinking sugary and carbonated beverages and juices.
  • 4 home renovation mistakes that should be avoided
    People renovate their homes to improve the functionality of the space. Some people also renovate to change the aesthetic of their house and give it a new look. In either case, home renovations can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It is a lengthy process that requires your utmost attention. That being said, things can go wrong; home renovation mistakes can cost you your time, money, and effort, and therefore, should be avoided. Deciding on an unrealistic budget One of the biggest errors that many homeowners make during renovation is not deciding and sticking to a fixed budget. When you are renovating your home, it’s easy to go over and above the budget that you have decided. What you need to do when deciding on a budget before you start your renovations is to make sure that you have some leeway. This way, even if you go overboard on your initial budget, you will not have to spend out of pocket. Experts usually suggest having an extra 20% added to your budget to tackle any additional renovations or hidden costs that may come up. Signing on the first contractor Many people choose to work with the first contractor they come across instead of comparing different options and quotes. To avoid this home renovation mistake, talk to multiple contractors. This step is crucial because it allows you to understand the cost of different products and services cost. A little due diligence can save you a world of trouble. Take notes each time you talk to a contractor and compare them before you decide to settle on one. Don’t forget to ask questions about licenses, insurance, experience, and even customer satisfaction. These aspects will also aid in your decision-making process. Using poor-quality materials Home renovations are not a frequent occurrence. They are expensive as well as tedious for those living in the space. This makes it essential to use quality materials and products. This way you won’t have to undertake renovations for years on end and you will be able to have peace of mind. Sticking to the latest trends Many people spend a lot of time and money making this home renovation mistake. While it’s completely okay to make all the latest and trending renovations to your place, remember that trends keep changing. If you decide to refurbish your home only based on trends, it may soon be out of vogue. What you instead need to do is find the right combination of what’s trending and what’s classic to enhance the look of your home.
  • 5 Ways to Treat Plaque Psoriasis at Home
    Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by red and scaly patches appearing on the skin, especially on elbows, knees, and nails. In plaque psoriasis, too many skin cells are formed which causes these cells to accumulate on the skin surface. According to an estimate by an institute related to skin diseases, about 6.7 million citizens are affected with plaque psoriasis. The scaly and red patches are thick and cause an intense itching, pain, burning sensation, irritation and continuous scratching of the affected area which may cause skin infection. Classification of plaque psoriasis Plaque psoriasis is classified on the basis of the severity of the disease and the percentage area of the body affected by it. It can be mild (less than 3% body is affected), moderate (between 3-10% body area is affected), and severe (when more than 10% body is affected). Home remedies for plaque psoriasis This skin condition can be treated at home. A few plaque psoriasis remedies are listed below:
    • Natural remedies One natural plaque psoriasis remedy is the use of topical treatment which provides relief from constant itching. These treatments also soothe the skin and reduce the redness. Several commonly used natural remedies are applying aloe vera on the affected area, use of diluted apple cider vinegar, and soaking the skin in Epsom salt for about 15 minutes.
    • Hydrocortisone cream The use of topical steroids such as 1% hydrocortisone cream is a safe plaque psoriasis remedy and reduce mild symptoms of plaque psoriasis. However, it is advisable to use it after consulting a doctor.
    • Sunlight Sunlight is an extremely effective plaque psoriasis remedy. The affected person can take a sunbath without causing a sunburn. The ultraviolet rays of the sun, UVB rays, reduces the rapid skin growth. Moreover, sunlight causes the formation of vitamin D which reduces inflammation in the body.
    • Turmeric It is one of the best known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbs. It reduces the levels of inflammation-causing molecules like Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF), thus helping in reducing the symptom of psoriasis.
    • Tea tree oil This oil is an excellent antiseptic ointment and helps in relieving the scalp psoriasis. But importantly, some people may be allergic to it, hence a precaution must be taken before using it.
    Plaque psoriasis is a painful autoimmune disorder of the skin. Several natural and home remedies are available to reduce the irritation and pain of the skin. One may start using a plaque psoriasis remedy depending on skin sensitivity and consultation with a doctor.
  • Things to know before you buy an energy-efficient electric bike
    Are you a biker with a love for low fuel? That might sound like an oxymoron, but low-energy bikes are now a reality. However, one often wonders if these bikes will really be as cheap and cost-effective in the long run as they are being portrayed. Let’s discuss the electric bike in this regard. Now, it would be a costly affair to switch to one. On top of that, you would have to pay for a massive electricity bill every time you charge it. Yes, that is going to cost a little more. However, understanding the mechanics of an electric bike will help us to identify the kind of costs we will incur. Firstly, we need to know the voltage and current rating of the electric bike battery that will be used. This information is available pretty easily on the front of the battery or somewhere in the owner's manual. The average electric bike would use a battery of 10 Amp-Hours for 36 volts. Since these bikes are made using a lithium-based battery, they will be able to run for 20 miles on one battery charge. Let us see how to calculate the Kilowatt-hours (kWh) of an electric bike. Here is the formula for that: 36 volts x 10 Amp-hours / 1000 = 0.36 kWh What did we do here? We simply multiplied the voltage and current and then divide that figure by 1000. This means that a 0.36 kW charge is required to run an electric bike for one hour. On an everyday basis, users would need to charge their electric bike for approximately 4 to 5 hours. In that sense, the total consumption for a charge cycle of such an electric bike would be: 5 x 0.36 = 1.8 kWh Calculating the Cost If we take the prices of a city like New York City, the cost per kWh would depend on the provider, user, and duration of the charge. For a biker in NY, we could safely assume that an average is $0.10 per kWh. By that standard, the electricity cost would be: $0.10 x 1.8 kWh = $0.18 This is an estimation but you can calculate your billing pattern based on this. It would give you a fair idea of what would it cost for you to own an electric bike.
  • Best Ideas for Mother of the Bride Dresses
    Weddings are considered to be the union of not only the couple but also two families. It is an occasion where every individual involved wants to look their best and make a lasting impression for years to come. The bride is always made the center of the wedding. Her needs and desires are fulfilled before anyone else’s. In such a case, her parents, the father and mother of the bride, tend to take a backseat. However, this should not always happen. A wedding should be treated as a special day for the family of the bride as well. This should be taken seriously, especially for the mother of the bride! This is so because she has been through the same festivities and emotions. While living through the same for her daughter, her wonderful memories will come gushing back and make the union all the more special for her. Keeping that in mind, we have here some ideas for the mother of the bride dresses.
    Break the color-code myth
    Since time immemorial, it has been a myth that the mother of the bride dresses should be in any color but white or black. She is not allowed to wear white because the bride is the only one allowed to, and no black, because of its association with funerals. Well, we say, you should break the myth. After all, rules are meant to be broken! If your daughter envisions the entire bridal party in white, or silver or ivory, then your selection of mother of the bride dresses can be in the same color. Be it a flowy gown, a fun knee-length dress, or a pant-suit, carry the color off with your strong aura.
    A crisp suit
    Nothing says you’re the boss like a crisp suit. Be it a cute skirt and jacket suit or a slightly elaborate pant-suit, as the mother of the bride, dress all the way! You should have the liberty to decide what you feel comfortable in because you are definitely going to have to run around quite a bit. Pick the colors that you would want to wear and that goes with the theme. A tailor-made suit will make these mother of the bride dresses perfectly stand out. Isn’t that what we want?
    Select an off-shoulder dress
    Off-shoulder is a fashion that all ages are now adopting. It is a fast-moving, but definitely an in-the-now piece of fashion that the mother of the bride dresses can accommodate. A tight-fitting dress can help accentuate your body and make you look flawless on your daughter’s special day. You can complete the look with a pair of comfortable stilettos and fine jewelry. Make sure that the color you pick goes with the theme of the bridal party!
    Go with the lace theme
    Here is another myth you should be breaking while planning your mother of the bride dresses. Just because your daughter has taken to lace, does not mean you cannot. Lace dresses tend to look beautiful on women of all ages. Moreover, they add a special elegance to the whole setting that you require at a wedding. Lace in your dress can look beautiful when worn in pastel shades. A knee-length dress with kitten heels and a bold clutch can make you look like the star of the event that you are. Pair with some delicate jewelry and stand beside your daughter to support her in your best. Pick your mother of the bride dresses keeping in mind what you like wearing, what you are comfortable in and also what fits with the theme. Remember, that as the mother, you are not trying to steal the limelight by dressing at your best but trying to look awesome for your daughter’s special day!