Health Insurance: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
HMO vs. PPO
Learn about HMOs and PPOs, and find information to help you decide which is best for you.
Learn about HMOs and PPOs, and find information to help you decide which is best for you.
Pre-existing conditions
Information about the limitations placed on pre-existing condition exclusion periods.
Information about the limitations placed on pre-existing condition exclusion periods.
Average Premium
Learn more about health insurance premiums and why they are so difficult to estimate.
Learn more about health insurance premiums and why they are so difficult to estimate.
High COBRA Premiums
Find out why COBRA premiums may be higher than you thought they would be.
Find out why COBRA premiums may be higher than you thought they would be.
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Definition of "annual out-of-pocket maximum" and how it works in your plan.
Definition of "annual out-of-pocket maximum" and how it works in your plan.
Pre-existing Condition
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for Medicare and Medicaid coverage, including links to local offices that can verify eligibility.
Eligibility requirements for Medicare and Medicaid coverage, including links to local offices that can verify eligibility.
Health IT
Find out what Health Information Technology is, what it can do to improve our health care system, and what the potential drawbacks are.
Find out what Health Information Technology is, what it can do to improve our health care system, and what the potential drawbacks are.
Health Insurance - Students
Find out what your child's options for health coverage will be when he or she leaves home for college.
Find out what your child's options for health coverage will be when he or she leaves home for college.
Health Insurance 101
Learn more about job-based coverage, individual policies, Medicare, Medicaid, and state high risk pools here!
Learn more about job-based coverage, individual policies, Medicare, Medicaid, and state high risk pools here!
Pre-existing condition
Learn more about how insurance policies treat pre-existing health conditions, and find out whether your pre-existing condition should be covered by your insurance company.
Learn more about how insurance policies treat pre-existing health conditions, and find out whether your pre-existing condition should be covered by your insurance company.
Buying an individual policy
How to get started on your search for an individual health insurance policy, and what to look for in your policy.
How to get started on your search for an individual health insurance policy, and what to look for in your policy.
Supplemental Health Insurance
Information about supplemental health insurance, including what it covers, and advice on whether it is right for you.
Information about supplemental health insurance, including what it covers, and advice on whether it is right for you.
Kentucky Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Kentucky.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Kentucky.
HSA Contributions
Learn more about HSAs, including how much you can contribute to your HSA.
Learn more about HSAs, including how much you can contribute to your HSA.
Claims Disputes
Information on resolving claims disputes with your health insurance company, including resources on external review.
Information on resolving claims disputes with your health insurance company, including resources on external review.
Coverage Gap/Donut Hole
Information about the Medicare Part D coverage gap, or donut hole.
Information about the Medicare Part D coverage gap, or donut hole.
Medicare 101
Basic information about the Medicare program, including who is eligible and what it covers.
Basic information about the Medicare program, including who is eligible and what it covers.
Georgia Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Georgia
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Georgia
Qualified Expenses
Learn more about HSAs, including what you can and cannot use your HSA funds for.
Learn more about HSAs, including what you can and cannot use your HSA funds for.
Connecticut Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Connecticut
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Connecticut
Individual Policies
Find out more about individual health insurance policies, including how they differ from employer-sponsored plans, and resources for learning about your state's regulations
Find out more about individual health insurance policies, including how they differ from employer-sponsored plans, and resources for learning about your state's regulations
Indiana Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Indiana.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Indiana.
Federal Statutes
Learn more about federal statutes which protect consumers under job-based health coverage.
Learn more about federal statutes which protect consumers under job-based health coverage.
Florida Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Florida
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Florida
Pre-Existing Conditions
What you don't know about pre-existing conditions can hurt you. Find out more about what pre-existing conditions are, and how you can stay covered if you have one.
What you don't know about pre-existing conditions can hurt you. Find out more about what pre-existing conditions are, and how you can stay covered if you have one.
Reasonable & Customary
Definition of reasonable & customary fee
Definition of reasonable & customary fee
New Jersey
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New Jersey.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New Jersey.
Medicaid 101
Basic information about Medicaid, including who is eligible and what it covers
Basic information about Medicaid, including who is eligible and what it covers
Universal vs. Single-payer
Learn more about universal coverage and single-payer systems, important health care reform concepts
Learn more about universal coverage and single-payer systems, important health care reform concepts
California
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in California
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in California
Copay vs. Coinnsurance
Learn more about copays and coinsurance, including examples of each and how they differ from each other.
Learn more about copays and coinsurance, including examples of each and how they differ from each other.
Massachusetts Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Massachusetts.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Massachusetts.
COBRA benefits
Learn about the benefits available under COBRA continuation coverage
Learn about the benefits available under COBRA continuation coverage
AHPs
Learn about the pros and cons to buying health coverage through an association health plan.
Learn about the pros and cons to buying health coverage through an association health plan.
Medicaid Eligibility
Learn more about Medicaid eligibility, including who might be eligible to receive benefits through Medicaid.
Learn more about Medicaid eligibility, including who might be eligible to receive benefits through Medicaid.
Creditable Coverage
Definition of the insurance term "creditable coverage."
Definition of the insurance term "creditable coverage."
Arizona
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Arizona.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Arizona.
SCHIP
Learn more about the SCHIP program, including what it is, who it covers, and what's in store for the future.
Learn more about the SCHIP program, including what it is, who it covers, and what's in store for the future.
Out-of-Pocket Spending
Learn more about out-of-pocket spending, including copays, co-insurance and deductibles.
Learn more about out-of-pocket spending, including copays, co-insurance and deductibles.
Obama Healthcare Reform
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate Barack Obama's proposal for health care reform
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate Barack Obama's proposal for health care reform
Deductible
Deductible defined
Deductible defined
Iowa Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Iowa.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Iowa.
High Risk Pools
Learn more about high risk pools, including coverage, premium rates, and the pros and cons of coverage under these state-operated programs.
Learn more about high risk pools, including coverage, premium rates, and the pros and cons of coverage under these state-operated programs.
Maine Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Maine.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Maine.
Alabama
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Alabama.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Alabama.
FAQs
Your options upon losing your job-based health insurance coverage
Your options upon losing your job-based health insurance coverage
Pennsylvania Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Pennsylvania
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Pennsylvania
Part D Basics
General information on Medicare Part D, including how the benefit is structured and some tips on choosing a Part D plan.
General information on Medicare Part D, including how the benefit is structured and some tips on choosing a Part D plan.
How to Choose a Doctor
Step-by-step instructions on how to choose your primary care physician, including resources to help you check quality and sample questions to help you decide which qualities are most important to you.
Step-by-step instructions on how to choose your primary care physician, including resources to help you check quality and sample questions to help you decide which qualities are most important to you.
NC Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in North Carolina
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in North Carolina
Minnesota Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Minnesota.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Minnesota.
Discount Medical Cards
Are discount medical cards a viable alternative to insurance coverage? Find out more!
Are discount medical cards a viable alternative to insurance coverage? Find out more!
Missouri Health Insurance Info
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Missouri.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Missouri.
Medicare Advantage
Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans, including how they work and what they cover.
Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans, including how they work and what they cover.
Pay-for-Performance
Learn more about pay-for-performance, how it could change our health care system, and how it might affect you.
Learn more about pay-for-performance, how it could change our health care system, and how it might affect you.
Colorado Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Colorado
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Colorado
Sicko Movie Review
Find out what the Michael Moore film Sicko is all about, and whether you should see Sicko.
Find out what the Michael Moore film Sicko is all about, and whether you should see Sicko.
New York Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New York
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New York
Kansas Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Kansas.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Kansas.
Prescription Drug Assistance
Find information about assistance programs that will help you pay for the medication you need.
Find information about assistance programs that will help you pay for the medication you need.
Self-funded plan
Learn about self-funded health plans and how they differ from fully insured plans
Learn about self-funded health plans and how they differ from fully insured plans
Prior Authorization
Learn about prior authorization requirements for prescription drugs.
Learn about prior authorization requirements for prescription drugs.
Job-Based Coverage
Learn more about job-based health coverage, including key features and consumer protections available under the law.
Learn more about job-based health coverage, including key features and consumer protections available under the law.
Insurance Mandates
Learn more about insurance mandates as a possible way to reform our healthcare system
Learn more about insurance mandates as a possible way to reform our healthcare system
COBRA Coverage
Learn more about COBRA, including who is eligible, how to elect coverage, what it covers and how much it costs.
Learn more about COBRA, including who is eligible, how to elect coverage, what it covers and how much it costs.
Dental Insurance
Learn the basics of dental insurance, including what types are offered and what to do if you can't obtain coverage through your job.
Learn the basics of dental insurance, including what types are offered and what to do if you can't obtain coverage through your job.
Arkansas
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Arkansas.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Arkansas.
The 63-Day Rule
Learn about the requirements for maintaining continuous coverage in order to keep your pre-existing condition covered.
Learn about the requirements for maintaining continuous coverage in order to keep your pre-existing condition covered.
The ABCs of HSAs
Learn more about health savings accounts, including pros and cons, as well as information to help you decide whether they are right for you.
Learn more about health savings accounts, including pros and cons, as well as information to help you decide whether they are right for you.
What is a PBM?
Learn more about pharmacy benefits managers and the role they play in your prescription drug coverage.
Learn more about pharmacy benefits managers and the role they play in your prescription drug coverage.
Michigan Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Michigan
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Michigan
Illinois Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Illinois
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Illinois
HSA Funds
Learn more about HSAs, including what happens to unused HSA funds at the end of the year.
Learn more about HSAs, including what happens to unused HSA funds at the end of the year.
Wisconsin Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Wisconsin
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Wisconsin
Nevada Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Nevada
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Nevada
Tennessee Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Tennessee
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Tennessee
S. Carolina Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in South Carolina
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in South Carolina
COBRA Qualifying Events
Learn more about COBRA qualifying events and eligibility for coverage
Learn more about COBRA qualifying events and eligibility for coverage
Community Rating
Find out what community rating is and how it can affect your health insurance premium. Learn about health insurance premium rating.
Find out what community rating is and how it can affect your health insurance premium. Learn about health insurance premium rating.
What is COBRA?
Learn about COBRA coverage, including what it is and who is eligible
Learn about COBRA coverage, including what it is and who is eligible
Clinton Health Reform
Learn more about the Clinton Health Plan Proposal and why this effort at health care reform failed.
Learn more about the Clinton Health Plan Proposal and why this effort at health care reform failed.
Virginia Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Virginia
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Virginia
Mississippi Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Mississippi.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Mississippi.
Best Health Plan
Learn more about finding the best health plan, including reasons why health plan rankings may not be the answer.
Learn more about finding the best health plan, including reasons why health plan rankings may not be the answer.
Explanation of Benefits
Learn about your health plan's explanation of benefits.
Learn about your health plan's explanation of benefits.
New Hampshire Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices, and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New Hampshire.
Contact information for state offices, and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New Hampshire.
Indemnity Plan
Indemnity Plan defined
Indemnity Plan defined
Balance Billing
Learn about balance billing, a medical billing practice.
Learn about balance billing, a medical billing practice.
High Deductible Health Plan
Learn about high deductible health plans and how they relate to health savings accounts (HSAs).
Learn about high deductible health plans and how they relate to health savings accounts (HSAs).
Retroactive Cancellation
Find out why some insurers try to retroactively cancel policies, how you can prevent this from happening, and what you should do if it happens to you.
Find out why some insurers try to retroactively cancel policies, how you can prevent this from happening, and what you should do if it happens to you.
Maryland Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Maryland.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Maryland.
Guaranteed Issue
Guaranteed issue defined
Guaranteed issue defined
Delaware Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Delaware
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Delaware
Major Medical
Major medical defined
Major medical defined
Oklahoma Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping Oklahoma health insurance.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping Oklahoma health insurance.
PPO
PPO defined
PPO defined
History of Job-Based Coverage
Find out why America's health care system relies so heavily on employer sponsored, job-based coverage. The answer lies in mid-20th century history.
Find out why America's health care system relies so heavily on employer sponsored, job-based coverage. The answer lies in mid-20th century history.
Texas Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Texas
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Texas
New Mexico
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New Mexico.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in New Mexico.
Short-Term Insurance
Learn more about short-term health insurance, a low-cost option for people who are temporarily without health insurance coverage.
Learn more about short-term health insurance, a low-cost option for people who are temporarily without health insurance coverage.
HMO
HMO defined
HMO defined
Medical Necessity
Medical Necessity defined
Medical Necessity defined
Louisiana Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Louisiana.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Louisiana.
Healthcare Proposal
Find out more about President Bush's plan to reform healthcare, as described in his 2007 State of the Union address.
Find out more about President Bush's plan to reform healthcare, as described in his 2007 State of the Union address.
Ohio Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Ohio
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Ohio
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment defined
Open Enrollment defined
Hawaii Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Hawaii
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Hawaii
Electronic Medical Records
Learn more about how adoption of electronic medical records could improve care.
Learn more about how adoption of electronic medical records could improve care.
Catastrophic Coverage?
Learn more about whether catastrophic coverage might be right for you.
Learn more about whether catastrophic coverage might be right for you.
Choosing a Plan
Learn more about how to choose a health plan during open enrollment.
Learn more about how to choose a health plan during open enrollment.
Formulary
Learn about formularies for prescription drug coverage.
Learn about formularies for prescription drug coverage.
Nebraska Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Nebraska.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Nebraska.
Lifetime Payout
Definition and explanation of the term "maximum lifetime payout."
Definition and explanation of the term "maximum lifetime payout."
Clinton's Reform Proposal
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's proposal for health care reform
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's proposal for health care reform
POS
Definition and explanation of the term "point-of-service."
Definition and explanation of the term "point-of-service."
The Public Plan
Learn more about the public plan option, the advantages and disadvantages of offering such a plan, and its role in healthcare reform.
Learn more about the public plan option, the advantages and disadvantages of offering such a plan, and its role in healthcare reform.
Other Options
Where to look for health insurance if you do not have it through your job
Where to look for health insurance if you do not have it through your job
South Dakota Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in South Dakota.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in South Dakota.
Wyoming Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Wyoming
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Wyoming
Categorically Needy
Definition and explanation of the term "categorically needy."
Definition and explanation of the term "categorically needy."
employer requirements
Are employers required to offer job-based health insurance coverage for employees?
Are employers required to offer job-based health insurance coverage for employees?
Consumer-Directed Health
Definition and explanation of the term "consumer-directed health care"
Definition and explanation of the term "consumer-directed health care"
Free Clinics
Learn about how to find a free health care clinic.
Learn about how to find a free health care clinic.
Preventive Care
Learn more about preventive care and whether it is likely to reduce health spending.
Learn more about preventive care and whether it is likely to reduce health spending.
DC Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in the District of Columbia
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in the District of Columbia
Copay
Definition of the insurance term "co-pay."
Definition of the insurance term "co-pay."
Electronic Medical Record
Definition and explanation of the term "electronic medical record."
Definition and explanation of the term "electronic medical record."
Capitation
Capitation defined
Capitation defined
Health Insurance Rejection
Have you been rejected for health insurance coverage? Find out why and what you can do about it.
Have you been rejected for health insurance coverage? Find out why and what you can do about it.
Charity Care
Learn about how to obtain charity care for free or a reduced cost.
Learn about how to obtain charity care for free or a reduced cost.
Customary and Reasonable Costs
What does "customary and reasonable" cost mean, and how will it affect payment for healthcare services?
What does "customary and reasonable" cost mean, and how will it affect payment for healthcare services?
What Is Health Insurance?
Do you find health insurance to be confusing and overwhelming? Get back to the basics by learning more about exactly what health insurance is and what it's designed to do.
Do you find health insurance to be confusing and overwhelming? Get back to the basics by learning more about exactly what health insurance is and what it's designed to do.
Montana Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Montana.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Montana.
Part D_QandA
Answers to some frequently asked questions about the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit
Answers to some frequently asked questions about the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit
Waiver
When reading up on Medicaid and Medicaid eligibility requirements, you may hear that a state has applied for a medical waiver. What are medical waivers? What do they mean for your access to Medicaid?
When reading up on Medicaid and Medicaid eligibility requirements, you may hear that a state has applied for a medical waiver. What are medical waivers? What do they mean for your access to Medicaid?
Out-of-Network
Learn about out-of-network providers.
Learn about out-of-network providers.
Coinsurance
coinsurance
coinsurance
West Virginia Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in West Virginia
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in West Virginia
Utah Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Utah.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Utah.
Health Insurance - Articles
An index of articles for the Health Insurance guide site.
An index of articles for the Health Insurance guide site.
Personal Health Record
Definition and explanation of the term "personal health record"
Definition and explanation of the term "personal health record"
Adverse Selection
Definition and explanation of the term "adverse selection"
Definition and explanation of the term "adverse selection"
Idaho Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Idaho
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Idaho
HSAs
Learn more about HSAs, or health savings accounts, including how much you can contribute, what happens to those contributions, and how they could help to contain health spending.
Learn more about HSAs, or health savings accounts, including how much you can contribute, what happens to those contributions, and how they could help to contain health spending.
Vermont Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Vermont.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Vermont.
Medigap
What you need to know about Medigap plans, including upcoming changes to plan types offered.
What you need to know about Medigap plans, including upcoming changes to plan types offered.
Medically Needy
Being denied for Medicaid coverage may not mean that you will never get it. Some people may qualify as being medically needy for Medicaid coverage. What does that mean? How do you know if you could be considered medically needy? Learn more about this distinction here.
Being denied for Medicaid coverage may not mean that you will never get it. Some people may qualify as being medically needy for Medicaid coverage. What does that mean? How do you know if you could be considered medically needy? Learn more about this distinction here.
Mandated Benefit
Find out what mandated benefits are and whether your health insurance plan has them. Learn about requirements that health insurance companies must follow.
Find out what mandated benefits are and whether your health insurance plan has them. Learn about requirements that health insurance companies must follow.
Alaska
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Alaska.
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Alaska.