Have health insurance options got you overwhelmed? Don't be discouraged. Although it can seem daunting and confusing, securing the right health insurance plan will ensure that you have peace of mind when handling your health. It's important to know all of your health insurance options and how to choose the right one for your needs. That's why we've created a list of questions to ask when buying health insurance. These questions can help you sort through different plan details to find the right choice for you and your finances.   What type of plan is it? The two most common types of plans are PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans. PPO plans have a network of providers that are considered €œin network.€ If you choose to visit a doctor in network, you will pay less than you would for out-of-network providers. HMO plans typically require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP). All of your health care is coordinated through your PCP.   Is my primary care doctor in network? You may already have a doctor that you see regularly. If so, you may want to maintain this relationship. This requires you to choose a plan that considers that doctor as in network. Out-of-network doctors will cost more with PPO plans and may not even be an option with certain HMO plans.   What is my deductible? Some health insurance plans require that you pay a certain amount out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. This is known as a deductible. Be sure to keep this number at an affordable cost.   What happens if I go to the emergency room? Depending on the type of plan you select, you may be required to contact your primary care physician with 24 hours of an emergency room visit for your health insurance provider to cover your medical expenses. It's also important to understand any upfront costs, deductibles, or copays associated with an ER visit. Some plans may require you to go to specific hospitals or service providers. These are all important points to understand before you purchase a plan.   What about prescription drug coverage? It's common for adults to use prescription drugs, and you may already do so. It's also common for people to get so focused on the medical details of their health insurance plan that they forget to look at the prescription drug coverage. These costs can add up, so be sure to review the plan's formulary, which is the drug list. This will tell you which drugs are covered and how much they'll cost.   To learn more about how best to protect your health and finances, contact the team at Bell Black Insurance. We can help you tend to your health insurance needs so that you get the best value for your money. We serve Idaho Falls, Island Park, Driggs, Victor, Swan Valley, Ashton, and the neighboring communities in Idaho, as well as Jackson and Star Valley in Wyoming.