Your health insurance needs depend on your personal circumstances. It can be obtained through an employer, purchased from the Health Insurance Marketplace created by Affordable Care Act (ACA), or through government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Choosing the right plan involves considering your health needs, financial situation, and preferred doctors. Evaluating factors like premiums, deductibles, and whether your preferred providers are in-network will help you find the best coverage for you and your family.

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Types of health insurance plans

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Plans that limit coverage to care from a network of doctors and require a primary care physician (PCP) referral to see specialists.

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Plans that allow you to see any doctor or specialist without a referral. You pay less if you use providers in the plan's network.

• Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): Plans that cover services only from doctors and hospitals within the plan's network, except in emergencies. Key cost terms to understand

• Premium: The regular payment you make to your insurance provider to keep your coverage active.

• Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered medical services before your insurance starts to pay.

• Copay: A fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service after you've met your deductible.

• Coinsurance: The percentage of costs you pay for a covered service after you've met your deductible. For example, if your plan covers 80% of costs, you would be responsible for the remaining 20%.

• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. Once you reach this limit, your health plan pays 100% of your covered expenses.