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Health Insurance Guide
Health Insurance Providers
What are the different “types” of insurers and how they are structured?
The following are the different types of insurers:
- Traditional Insurers
- Domestic, Foreign and Alien Companies
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
Traditional InsurersThis type of company is one that has evolved over time into a ‘branded” image in the eyes of the public. A traditional insurer selling health coverage may specialize in just health coverage. The types of insurance they sell may be referred to as accident and health (A&H) or accident and sickness (A&S) companies. Most states require a separate license to write life, health and property casualty.
Domestic, Foreign and Alien CompaniesIn the United States, companies are usually organized and chartered under the laws of one particular state and it is common for them to do business in many states. A company that operates its home office in the state where it is organized is known in that state as a domestic company.
In any other states where they do business the company is considered a foreign company. If the home office of a company is located outside the United States, it is considered an alien company.
Blue Cross/Blue ShieldThese service organizations represent producers cooperatives. Hospitals and physicians who sponsor Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans are providing the insurance, therefore they are considered to be the producers of the cooperative. People originally covered under these plans were traditionally known as subscribers since Blue Cross and Blue shield differ from traditional insurance companies.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)The purpose of HMOs is to manage health care by using a prepaid model that emphasizes early treatment and prevention. This prepayment is referred to as a service-incurred basis and is paid by the consumer. This emphasis on prevention such as routine physicals, diagnostic screening is paid for in advance.
The model is a direct contrast to health insurance plans that historically did not pay for preventive programs but only paid after the fact for injury and illness. In theory, the HMOs focus on prevention is ultimately supposed to reduce health care costs. At the same time, HMOs provide medical treatment, hospital and surgical when needed.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)Preferred Provider Organizations are another attempt to reduce medical costs. This is an arrangement whereby a selected group of independent hospitals and medical practitioners in a certain area agree to provide certain services at a prearranged rate. These differ from HMOs in that the providers are paid on a fee for service basis rather than receiving a flat monthly amount.
Find out more about health insurance providers in Your Guide To Good Health Insurance.
Health Insurance Providers
Complete Health Discount Plan
Benefits include savings on physician care, prescriptions, dental and vision, chiropractic, diabetic supplies and much more. Additionally, a single membership covers an entire family.
Aetna Dental Discount Plan
This discount dental program offers discounted fees for services performed by dental providers in the network. Members can receive the necessary dental care to keep good oral health while paying reduced fees.
Prescription Drug Plan
The Outlook Prescription Drug Plan includes two avenues for members to receive prescription savings. Each member has access to the largest retail pharmacy chain in the nation, plus members have access to the largest mail order pharmacy
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