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.
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.
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 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.
Pre-existing Condition
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deductible
Deductible defined
Deductible defined
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.
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.
Reasonable & Customary
Definition of reasonable & customary fee
Definition of reasonable & customary fee
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.
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
Guaranteed Issue
Guaranteed issue defined
Guaranteed issue defined
Formulary
Learn about formularies for prescription drug coverage.
Learn about formularies for prescription drug coverage.
Creditable Coverage
Definition of the insurance term "creditable coverage."
Definition of the insurance term "creditable coverage."
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Health Insurance - Articles
An index of articles for the Health Insurance guide site.
An index of articles for the Health Insurance guide site.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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).
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment defined
Open Enrollment defined
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.
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
Copay
Definition of the insurance term "co-pay."
Definition of the insurance term "co-pay."
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
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.
COBRA benefits
Learn about the benefits available under COBRA continuation coverage
Learn about the benefits available under COBRA continuation coverage
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!
Medical Necessity
Medical Necessity defined
Medical Necessity defined
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.
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.
HMO
HMO defined
HMO defined
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.
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.
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
Electronic Medical Record
Definition and explanation of the term "electronic medical record."
Definition and explanation of the term "electronic medical record."
Rationing of health care
Find out what rationing of health care means, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Find out what rationing of health care means, both in the U.S. and abroad.
POS
Definition and explanation of the term "point-of-service."
Definition and explanation of the term "point-of-service."
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.
Formulary Tiers
Learn more about prescription drug formulary tiers, including what they are and how they work.
Learn more about prescription drug formulary tiers, including what they are and how they work.
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.
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
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.
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.
PPO
PPO defined
PPO defined
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.
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
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.
Consumer-Directed Health
Definition and explanation of the term "consumer-directed health care"
Definition and explanation of the term "consumer-directed health care"
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.
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.
FAQs
Your options upon losing your job-based health insurance coverage
Your options upon losing your job-based health insurance coverage
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
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.
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.
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.
McCain Healthcare Reform
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate John McCain's proposal for health care reform
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate John McCain's proposal for health care reform
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.
Indemnity Plan
Indemnity Plan defined
Indemnity Plan defined
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.
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.
Out-of-Network
Learn about out-of-network providers.
Learn about out-of-network providers.
Catastrophic Coverage?
Learn more about whether catastrophic coverage might be right for you.
Learn more about whether catastrophic coverage might be right for you.
Balance Billing
Learn about balance billing, a medical billing practice.
Learn about balance billing, a medical billing practice.
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
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
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.
Categorically Needy
Definition and explanation of the term "categorically needy."
Definition and explanation of the term "categorically needy."
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.
HSA
Definition of HSA, or Health Savings Account
Definition of HSA, or Health Savings Account
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.
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
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
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.
Explanation of Benefits
Learn about your health plan's explanation of benefits.
Learn about your health plan's explanation of benefits.
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
Cost Sharing
Cost sharing defined
Cost sharing defined
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
Health Coverage After a Layoff
Have you recently been laid off your job? Are you worried about being laid off? Learn more about how a layoff will affect your health insurance coverage.
Have you recently been laid off your job? Are you worried about being laid off? Learn more about how a layoff will affect your health insurance coverage.
Capitation
Capitation defined
Capitation 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
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.
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.
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
Electing COBRA
Find out how to elect COBRA coverage
Find out how to elect COBRA coverage
COBRA Qualifying Events
Learn more about COBRA qualifying events and eligibility for coverage
Learn more about COBRA qualifying events and eligibility for coverage
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.
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?
Lifetime Payout
Definition and explanation of the term "maximum lifetime payout."
Definition and explanation of the term "maximum lifetime payout."
Do I Need Dental?
When looking to cut costs, dental insurance may be something you consider nixing from your budget. Not so fast. Learn about why it may be worthwhile to have dental insurance, even if your teeth are healthy.
When looking to cut costs, dental insurance may be something you consider nixing from your budget. Not so fast. Learn about why it may be worthwhile to have dental insurance, even if your teeth are healthy.
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?
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.
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
FSA
Learn about flexible spending accounts, a type of tax-advantaged account you can use for medical expenses.
Learn about flexible spending accounts, a type of tax-advantaged account you can use for medical expenses.
Mental Health Parity
Learn about the Mental Health Parity Act, including how it might affect your health coverage.
Learn about the Mental Health Parity Act, including how it might affect your health coverage.
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
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.
Universal Coverage
If you are following the healthcare reform efforts here in the U.S., you may want to learn more about universal coverage and what it will mean for you and your family. Find out more about universal coverage.
If you are following the healthcare reform efforts here in the U.S., you may want to learn more about universal coverage and what it will mean for you and your family. Find out more about universal coverage.
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.
Coinsurance
coinsurance
coinsurance
Underwriting
Find out more about what underwriting is and how it is used.
Find out more about what underwriting is and how it is used.
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
Coverage For the Disabled
Are you or a loved one disabled and unable to work? Find out what your options are for health coverage
Are you or a loved one disabled and unable to work? Find out what your options are for health coverage
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
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.
Washington Health Insurance
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Washington
Contact information for state offices and resources for obtaining and keeping health insurance in Washington
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.
Personal Health Record
Definition and explanation of the term "personal health record"
Definition and explanation of the term "personal health record"
Cost Transparency
Definition and explanation of the term "cost transparency"
Definition and explanation of the term "cost transparency"
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.
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
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
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.
Major Medical
Major medical defined
Major medical defined
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.
Clinical Trials
Learn more about health insurance coverage of clinical trials.
Learn more about health insurance coverage of clinical trials.
Prior Authorization
Learn about prior authorization requirements for prescription drugs.
Learn about prior authorization requirements for prescription drugs.
Forced into Medicare
Learn more about what happens when a retiree turns 65.
Learn more about what happens when a retiree turns 65.
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.
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.
Huckabee's Health Reform
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's proposal for health care reform.
Information about 2008 Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's proposal for health care reform.
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.
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.
Medicare Part B
Learn more about Medicare Part B, including what it is, what it covers, and how much it costs.
Learn more about Medicare Part B, including what it is, what it covers, and how much it costs.