There is so much talk in the media lately about health insurance.  Do you know what your current insurance plan covers?  Who are the providers on your plan? What do you do if the physician you have been seeing is no longer on your insurance plan?  What are your co-payments, deductibles and out of pocket expenses?

It is more important than ever that you become familiar with your policy and the details of coverage for that policy.  Depending on where you have your policy through depends on where you can turn for answers.  If you currently have a policy through your employer, you can speak to human resources office.  If you have an independent policy, it is important (now more than ever) to speak to your insurance agent.

Here are a couple questions you can ask…

*  What services are covered and what is excluded from my plan?

*  What is my co-payment for a family physician and for a specialist?

*  What is my deductible and my out of pocket expense?  Do I have a separate deductible for family coverage?

*  What is my co-insurance once my deductible is met?

*  Where can I see a list of participating providers?

*  Does my plan cover prescriptions, vision, and dental?

*  How are hospital and major medical services covered?

*  Do I need precertification for certain services or for specialists?

When you  go to a doctors office, hospital, or have any medical services provided it is always the responsibility of the patient to make sure your providers are in your network and to know what services you will be responsible for.  This is a very confusing time for health insurance and coverage.  Make sure you clearly understand your policy and what you are paying for, if you have questions, ASK first.