Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Insurance, Health

Health insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of medical care. It helps individuals and families pay for healthcare expenses, such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Health insurance can be provided through an employer, purchased individually, or obtained through a government program, such as Medicare or Medicaid.

There are different types of health insurance plans, including:

Fee-for-service plans: Under these plans, patients pay a fee for each medical service they receive. These plans may require patients to pay a deductible, which is the amount they must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company begins to cover the cost of care.

Managed care plans: Under these plans, patients receive care from a network of healthcare providers that have agreed to provide care at a discounted rate. Managed care plans may require patients to choose a primary care physician who coordinates their care, and may also require prior authorization for certain types of medical services.

High-deductible health plans: These plans have a high deductible, which is the amount the patient must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company begins to cover the cost of care. These plans often have lower premiums, but may require patients to pay more out-of-pocket for healthcare expenses.

The goal of health insurance is to help individuals and families afford the cost of healthcare, which can be expensive. It is important for individuals to understand their health insurance coverage and to choose a plan that meets their needs and budget.