HMO Vs. PPO – Which Is Right For You?

hmo vs ppo written on a notepad When you’re shopping for health insurance, you’ll come across several plan types to choose from. Two of which are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). While there are several other options, these two are the most common. Both plans provide various types of coverage, including network sizes, costs, and coverages outside of the network. You will want to make sure the plan you choose will fit all of your needs and allows you to stay within budget. Choosing one isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Below we’ve detailed both of these options and compared them for you. 

Compare Health Plans Online

  • Let us help you find the right Health Insurance Plans for you

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

An HMO is an affordable health insurance plan that provides a network of healthcare providers to choose from. HMOs offer cheaper coverage because their networks are smaller than other plan’s networks. HMOs are known for their lower lates, but that comes with less flexibility. The network is the key to this type of coverage. Providers within this network such as doctors, hospitals, labs, and specialists all have contracts with the insurance company. Meaning they are paid to offer you, the policyholder, a variety of health services for less. Typically you’ll find that these networks operate in a specific geographic area. Meaning you must see providers within that area. It also means that any fees associated with the plan will be based on the population of your area. For example, heavily populated areas with higher cost of living will result in higher fees. Even though HMOs offer less flexibility, their premiums are lower than other plans. Their smaller networks and the fact that you are being directed to the plan’s providers rather than out-of-network providers, means the savings pass directly to you.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

With PPO plans, you have much more freedom in choosing your doctors and hospitals. Staying in-network always provides the best benefits because you pay less for those services. However, unlike HMOs, you are not restricted to in-network providers, but it will cost you more than seeing in-network providers. PPO plans are generally more expensive due to their higher monthly premiums. Nonetheless, the increased flexibility more than compensates for the higher costs. You are not required to choose a primary care provider (PCP) and you can visit any doctor, including specialists, without a referral. All of this means you pay more and you are responsible for managing and coordinating your own care without a PCP, unless you decide to choose one.

How They Differ 

Now that you know the basics of each plan, let’s compare the differences between HMOs and PPOs including network size, the ability to see specialists without referrals, costs, and out-of-network coverage. Compared to PPOs, HMOs are much more affordable. However, PPOs offer a lot more flexibility with their specialists and larger networks. As well as their out-of-network coverage. Below we’ll go into these comparisons a little more. 

Networks

Both HMO and PPO plans have provider networks. In exchange for access to a health plan’s members, network providers agree to offer discounts to reduce health care costs. This saves money for health insurers, but it also saves money for you, the policyholder; savings for the insurer can translate into lower premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Overall, PPO networks include more physicians and hospitals than HMO networks, giving you more options. However, networks will vary from insurer to insurer and plan to plan; therefore, it is best to look into each plan’s network before making a decision.

Primary Care Physicians

The majority of HMOs will require you to choose a primary care physician, who will serve as your primary point of contact for medical care. If your primary care physician determines that specialized care is medically necessary, he or she will refer you to a specialist for treatment. Specialists costs will not be covered without a referral from a primary care physician. PPOs, on the other hand, typically do not require the selection of a PCP, and you can typically see a specialist without a referral and those costs are covered.

Out-Of-Network Coverage

For both PPO and HMO plans, you will get the lowest costs for care if you use in-network providers. The coverage for out-of-network care varies significantly between these two types of plans. Out-of-network services are typically not covered at all by HMOs, except in the case of an emergency. PPO plans typically provide some coverage for these services, but as always, staying in the network will always mean less money out of your pocket.

Find Health Insurance Plans In 3 Easy Steps

  • Let us help you find the right Health Insurance Plans for you

Costs

PPO plans will typically be more expensive than HMO plans due to the additional coverage and flexibility they provide. When we consider health plan costs, we typically consider monthly premiums. HMO premiums are typically less expensive than PPO premiums. The plan’s deductible is also another factor you need to consider. This is the amount of out-of-pocket health care expenses you must pay before your plan begins to pay for your expenses. When HMOs have deductibles, they tend to be less expensive than PPO deductibles. Below we’ve provided examples of costs for each plan. 

HMO Costs

These are examples based on average costs, they can vary depending on your age, where you live, plan tier, as well as number of dependents.

 

  • 21-year-old – Single $342, couple $684, couple with 1 child $944
  • 30-year-old – Single $390, couple $780, couple with 1 child $1,040
  • 40-year-old – Single $438, couple $877, couple with 1 child $1,1,37
  • 50-year-old – Single $613, couple $1,226, couple with 1 child $1,487

Along with lower premiums, HMOs typically have lower or sometimes no deductibles. A copayment is instead required for each clinical visit, test, and prescription. Copayments for HMOs are typically $5, $10, or $20 per service, which reduces out-of-pocket expenses and makes HMO plans more affordable.

PPO Costs

As with all plans, the premiums are determined by age, location, and the number of dependents covered by the plan. For instance, average monthly premiums for PPOs are:

 

  • 21-year-old – Single $404, couple $807, couple with 1 child $1,113
  • 30-year-old – Single $458, couple $916, couple with 1 child $1,222
  • 40-year-old – Single $516, couple $1,032, couple with 1 child $1,528
  • 50-year-old – Single $721, couple $1,442, couple with 1 child $1,748

PPO plans typically have higher deductibles than HMOs. Generally the annual deductible for a PPO is around $1,500. If your PPO plan includes a copayment for office visits, you will only pay a small copayment when you see a doctor in your preferred network. If your PPO plan does not include a copayment benefit, your visit will be charged at the preferred network rate and applied to your deductible. Going “out-of-network” will be more expensive. You may also have to pay the doctor directly and then submit a reimbursement claim to your PPO. 

 

PPOs also have 2 out-of-pocket maximums. Meaning you will never pay more than a preset amount for your care in a given year. One limit applies only to in-network costs, while the other applies to both in-network and out-of-network costs. If you require extensive care or expensive procedures, these limits may protect you from racking up excessive costs. In 2023, the out-of-pocket maximum for Marketplace plans cannot exceed $9,100 for individuals and $18,200 for a family. This means that in 2023, if you pay more than $9,100 in out-of-pocket medical expenses, your insurance will cover 100% of any additional medical expenses.

Choosing Between Them

When deciding between these two plans, it’s best to consider how much you are willing to pay, how much coverage you need, and whether or not you want to see a PCP less frequently or see a specialist without a referral. In general, HMOs have a lower cost. So, if your budget is your biggest deciding factor then an HMO may be for you. With lower premiums and low to no deductibles being your benefits, but you’ll sacrifice the flexibility of choosing providers. If you travel a lot or have a chronic condition, you may need to see a doctor once or twice outside of your network. So, if you’re more interested in flexibility, a PPO plan may be the better option.

 

Now that you know the difference between the two main types of health insurance, you might have a better idea of which plan fits you better. If you need more information you can start by visiting our PPO and HMO pages. These pages have more in depth explanations of each plan’s benefits and limitations. Everyone should carefully consider their health insurance options. Your particular circumstances, such as your health, finances, and quality of life, will determine the optimal plan for you. EZ.Insure can assist you in choosing between the two plans and determining which one best meets your needs and budget. We provide you with a local licensed agent who will go over all available plans in your area. They will provide you with quotes for all available plans, explain what each plan covers, and sign you up at no cost. Our services are entirely free! Simply enter your zip code in the box below to receive your free instant quotes, or contact an agent by calling 877-670-3557

Compare Health Plans Online

  • Let us help you find the right Health Insurance Plans for you

Questions To Ask While Shopping For Health Insurance

Questions To Ask While Shopping For Health Insurance text overlaying image of a stack of post it notes with a question mark on them Has shopping for health insurance left you confused and frustrated? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Shopping for health insurance can feel about as easy as getting home during rush hour traffic, but understanding your options and how to choose plans is important. To help we’ve put together a list of questions for you to ask while choosing a plan. These questions can help you sift through the various plan details and help you decide which ones are best for you, your family, your health, and your budget. Think of it as your health insurance cheat sheet.

 

With these questions in your pocket, you’ll be able to confidently compare health plans. Whether you’re selecting a plan for the first time, or if you’re thinking about changing your current plan, these questions are important to keep in mind.

Compare Health Plans Online

  • Let us help you find the right Health Insurance Plans for you

How Much Does the Plan Cost?

You’ll want to carefully look over plan prices, not just the premium, you’ll want to know how much the other out-of-pocket costs will be as well. Premiums, deductibles, copays and other costs of health insurance all vary from plan to plan and state to state. So, comparing is key here to make sure you get a plan that fits within your budget. We’ve gone into a little more detail about each of the costs you’ll want to research below. 

Your Premium

This is the monthly fee you pay for your insurance company to provide you and your family with coverage. The cost of your premium will vary depending on a few factors. First, the majority of insurance companies will underwrite you before they insure you. Meaning they will collect all of your health data and use them to determine your “risk factor”. Other variables include your age, your lifestyle, and sometimes even where you live.

Your Deductible

Before your plan will cover your medical expenses, you have to first meet your deductible. For example, say your plan carries a $1,500 deductible and you need a surgery that costs $3,500. You will have to pay $1,500 and then your company should cover the remaining $2,000. Keep in mind, your premium will not count towards your deductible. The things that will count towards it are any bills you pay for hospital stays, surgeries, lab tests, anesthesia, doctor visits that aren’t covered with a copay, and medical devices such as pacemakers.

Your Copay or Coinsurance

When you visit the doctor or fill a prescription, you’ll pay a copay upfront. It’s a flat fee, typically between $10-$30. Each part of your health services may have different copays such as $30 per doctor visit or $20 per prescription, but each of those services will always have that same copay. For instance, if you injure your back and visit the doctor, or if your child’s asthma medication needs to be refilled, the copay amount – for that visit or medication will remain the same. 

 

Coinsurance is the portion of medical expenses you are responsible for after your deductible has been met. Coinsurance is a way of saying that you and your insurance company each pay a portion of the eligible costs that total 100%. For instance, if your coinsurance is 20%, you are responsible for 20% of the cost of your covered medical expenses. Your health insurance will cover the remaining 80 percent.

What Kind Of Coverage Do I Need?

After deciding your budget, the next question is about coverage. Do you have health conditions? Do you know you see the doctor often? Are you healthy? There’s a large variety of plans that will give you more coverage if you aren’t healthy, or less coverage if you are healthy. That way you don’t pay for coverage you don’t need, and you know the things you do need will be taken care of. 

 

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) provide access to doctors within their network, whereas Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) provide access to a larger network at a higher cost. There are also 4 plan tiers available: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier has varying prices with varying coverage. If you want a low monthly premium and are healthy, a Bronze or Silver plan is your best option. While Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles. Making them ideal for anyone with medical conditions that need more care.

Find Health Insurance Plans In 3 Easy Steps

  • Let us help you find the right Health Insurance Plans for you

Is My Current Doctor In The Plan’s Network?

One of the most common concerns while searching for health insurance is whether or not you can keep seeing the doctors you already have. If you have ongoing medical conditions, or simply just like your current doctor, the last thing you want to have to do is switch doctors. It means having to explain your entire medical history and probably retake tests you’ve already had done. It can also bring up an issue if your new doctor doesn’t agree with your old doctor’s diagnosis or treatments. Your doctor is definitely one of those situations where familiarity is important. When you’re shopping for health insurance, find out what the plan’s network looks like. The network isn’t just primary doctors either, it’s also hospitals, facilities, and specialists as well. You don’t want to find out too late that the hospital closest to you doesn’t accept your insurance.

Are There Extra Benefits or Perks?

This may seem small, but it can be the selling point between one plan over another. Some plans will offer things like dental and vision discounts, telehealth, gym memberships, etc. You’ll want to decide if you want the bells and whistles or if you don’t really care for them. These perks can be offered as “free”, but keep in mind the more benefits a plan has the more expensive your plan is likely to be.

Will My Plan Travel with Me?

If you travel frequently, whether for work or leisure, you should make sure your plan has the freedom and flexibility you’ll need, regardless of where you are when you need it. You’ll want to look at the network again, and the budget. Will you pay more for out-of-network facilities and doctors? If you do pay more, can you be reimbursed? If it’s Christmas and you’re four states away visiting family and you need the emergency room the last thing you want to do is worry about a giant medical bill.

 

Is My Medication Covered?

Two-thirds of adults in the U.S. use prescription medications, so there’s a good chance you will too, if you don’t already. It’s not uncommon for you to get caught up in the other details of your health plan and forget to look at the prescription drug coverage. These costs can rack up quickly, so be sure to look at the plan’s drug formulary before you enroll. The formulary is a list of prescription drugs that are covered as well as their associated costs. That way you can better budget for any medications you currently take, as well as any antibiotics you might need in the future.

 

Will This Plan Cover Alternative Therapies?

If you’re interested in alternative therapies (alternative medicine) you’ll want to make sure those will be covered as well. Some alternative medicine would be a chiropractor, having a home birth, or getting acupuncture. Different health plans handle these types of services differently. In some circumstances they can be covered similarly to your other health care. On the other hand, some plans might have minimal or no coverage for alternative therapies. If this type of care is important to you, make sure to look closely at the plan’s benefits in detail.

Who Can I Call With Questions?

Most people agree that, when it comes to health insurance companies, the worst part is the lengthy phone calls. There is typically a customer service line, but you’ll most likely deal with a lot of transfers or possibly be placed on hold for long periods of time. Some have direct numbers for agents to speak to you directly or chat services where you can virtually ask your questions. Most will even have a discussion forum where you can find the answers to some of your questions. The worst systems are the automated phone systems, where you have to listen to several menus and hope what you need is on the list. There’s a way to avoid all of that hassle and uncertainty though: giving one of EZs agents a call. 

 

EZ.Insure provides highly trained agents in your region who can answer all of the above questions and then some. You get to speak with a real person, -skip the automated line, and get all of -the information quickly. The best part? It’s free! We will assign you to your own personal agent who will search and compare all available plans in your area at no – cost. We make sure to find you plans that fit within your budget without sacrificing coverage needs. To get your instant free quotes today simply enter your zip code in the box below or give us a call at 877-670-3557 to speak to an agent directly.

Compare Health Plans Online

  • Let us help you find the right Health Insurance Plans for you

The 4 Parts of Workers’ Compensation

the 4 parts of workers compensation text overlaying a photo of a construction worker It’s hard to say which type of business insurance is most important for your business. They all cover specific things and keep your business protected in different ways. But there is one type of commercial insurance that you are most likely required by law to have if you have employees: workers’ compensation.

 

This type of policy covers you and your employee if they are hurt while working, or sick because of workplace conditions. Workers’ comp in nearly every state covers medical expenses, disability, rehabilitation, and death benefits. And while there is some uniformity in regard to the benefits available to injured workers across the country. There is considerable variation in the amounts and methods each state distributes. If you want to find out more about how workers’ comp works in your state, check out our state-by-state guide. Then talk to an EZ agent about what you need.

 

First, though, read on to find out more about how workers’ comp covers these four benefits (medical expenses, disability, rehabilitation, and death). So, you know exactly what to expect from your policy.

Compare Commercial Insurance Plans

  • Compare The Best Commercial Plans For Your Business!

Medical Expenses

At its core, workers’ compensation covers medical expenses incurred by employees who get sick or hurt on the job. It will cover most medical expenses for most legitimate claims. Including bills that come from visits to the doctor, inpatient care, skilled nursing care, medication, diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy. And the cost of long-term supports like walkers and wheelchairs. 

 

In some states, though, there’s no coverage for “alternative” therapies like biofeedback and massage. And it’s possible that one state may cover a treatment while another won’t. Additionally, in some states there are limits on certain treatments. For instance, the law might allow no more than twenty-four visits to a chiropractor or physical therapist.

 

In most cases, workers’ comp does not have spending caps, deductibles, or copayments. And workers will be eligible for benefits until they have made a full recovery from their injury. 

Managed Care

A managed care organization (MCO) is a healthcare provider or group of healthcare providers that has a contract with an insurer or self-insured employer to provide managed healthcare services to enrolled workers. In many states, benefits through a managed care plan can be provided by employers or workers’ compensation insurers to get injured workers the care they need. In fact, insurers in some states legally have to offer this option to businesses. 

 

Managed care plans are governed by a wide range of statutes. Typically, a plan will include some combination of the following:

 

  • Provider Networks – A network of medical professionals who have agreed to provide discounted services to members of an insurance pool or employee group. In some states, injured workers will have to receive care from in-network providers.
  • Utilization Management – This type of management is intended to ensure that the type of medical care that is provided to workers is necessary, appropriate, and efficient with regard to costs. Before carrying out particular medical procedures, providers might be have to get prior approval from the insurance company.
  • Pharmacy Benefits Manager – An administrator of a program that purchases prescription drugs whose job it is to limit spending. A pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) is responsible for establishing formularies, negotiating discounts with drug manufacturers, forming contractual relationships with pharmacies, and paying claims for prescription drugs.
  • Medical Care Management – This type of management provides supervising care to make sure that injured workers get the appropriate treatment they need. So, that they can get back to work as quickly as possible.

Disability

Disability benefits compensate an employee for a portion of the wages they lose while they are unable to work as a result of an injury on the job. For instance, if a construction worker breaks their leg in an accident. It is highly unlikely that they will be able to return to work until they have fully recovered. Because of the amount of time this will take, they will require financial assistance during this time when they cannot work. 

 

“Disability” as it relates to workers’ comp has four distinct categories:

 

  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – To receive TTD benefits, your employee must have been injured so severe that they will not be able to return to work at all for a long time. For example, if a worker sustains an injury to their back and is subsequently unable to perform any duties for six weeks, but will then return to their regular responsibilities.
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Your employee has a relatively minor injury that has only temporarily rendered them partially disabled. For instance, a worker breaks their arm while they are on the job and must work reduced hours. They’re able to still work just not to their full capacity.
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If your employee has an injury that will not heal and will be unable to generate income in the future by performing the kind of work they were doing at the time of the injury.
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – The injury your worker suffers might affect them permanently, like an injury that causes hearing loss, but they might still be able to work. The injury, though, might prevent them from earning as much income as they did before their injury. 

Disability Payments

The severity of a worker’s disability will determine how much money they will receive from workers’ compensation benefits. In general, your employee’s average weekly pay prior to the injury is the basis for the calculation of benefits. This amount, though, might be subject to minimum and maximum limits, depending on your state. There will be a waiting period before benefits are provided, which is typically one week. If the disability lasts less than that period of time, your employee will not be eligible for benefits.

 

Typically, disability benefits are as follows:

 

  • Temporary Total Disability – With TTD, benefits will be paid while your employee is recovering. Typically, these benefits are calculated as a certain percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. For example, if a worker whose normal weekly wage is $1,000 is unable to work due to a broken leg for a period of two months. They will get a total of $667 weekly over the course of the eight weeks.
  • Temporary Partial Disability – With TPD benefits, your worker will typically receive their normal pay in addition to a percentage of the difference between their normal pay and their reduced pay. This is the case when the worker receives compensation for work that they are able to perform. For instance, a worker who sustains an injury to their leg is unable to perform their regular job duties because those duties require them to stand. They typically make $1,000 a week. During the two months that it takes for their leg to heal, they are responsible for performing administrative work. This job only pays $500 each week. So, there is a difference of $500 per week between their regular pay and their current pay. They will earn $500 per week plus $333 (66.66% of $500). For a total of $833 per week while they are unable to perform their normal duties.
  • Permanent Total Disability – A worker who is totally and permanently disabled will typically receive compensation equal to 66.66% (or some other specified percentage) of their previous average weekly wage for the rest of their life. When an employee reaches the official retirement age in some states, the benefits they have been receiving will end.
  • Permanent Partial Disability – A permanent partial disability may be classified as either “scheduled” or “non-scheduled” in some states. Injuries on the schedule typically involve a specific limb, organ, or part of the body. A worker who suffers a permanent injury to a body part in the schedule can receive disability payments for a specific period of time. If an employee loses a finger on the job, for instance. They may be eligible for 45 weeks of disability pay at 66.66% of their regular wage.

 

Disability benefits for employees with a permanent partial injury not on a schedule are determined in accordance with applicable state law. Benefits may be calculated in accordance with the worker’s degree of impairment, loss of earning capacity, wages lost. Or some other factor, depending on the state.

 

Compare Commercial Insurance Plans

  • Find The Right Commercial Plan For Your Business Needs!

 

Rehabilitation

The part of workers’ compensation that covers rehabilitation helps if something catastrophic happens to an employee that prevents them from working and requires long-term treatment for recovery. For example, if an employee has a history of mental breakdowns, such as after prolonged exposure to toxic stress. They may not be able to work for a time. But rehabilitation and therapy during this time may help them recover. Although they may no longer be able to return to your place of work.

 

Rehabilitation can also include a service called Transferable Skills Analysis, which can help the employee in these situations. The goal of this program is to assist participants in securing gainful employment that puts their acquired skills to use. Their benefits cover the cost of a case manager who will assist them in their job search.

Death

If an employee dies on the job, his or her dependents will receive workers’ comp death benefits. This protection is in place to help families deal with the monetary fallout of a loved one’s death. This type of coverage will help the deceased’s loved ones pay for funeral expenses. And help replace the income they would have otherwise received.

 

It’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your state before purchasing workers’ compensation insurance. It’s also vital that you stay well-informed on your insurance policies. So, that you can communicate effectively with your staff in the event of an accident.

Working With EZ

EZ.Insure knows that in order to succeed, businesses must have all the information possible. That’s why we’re here to answer all of your questions about the commercial insurance policies you need! But don’t worry, we know that your time and money are valuable. So, you won’t pay anything for our services. And you won’t have to worry about being inundated with calls from your agent as they answer your questions, help you compare plans, and sign you up when you’re ready. To start, either enter your zip code into the box below or call 877-670-3538 to speak with an agent. Thanks to EZ.Insure, getting insurance is a breeze.

Compare Commercial Insurance Plans

  • Compare The Best Commercial Plans For Your Business!

EZ.Insure Cares For Your Business Like Our Own

 

You worked hard to create your business, building it from the ground up, research, elbow grease, and, of course, capital.

A simple mistake can happen, and just like that, your business is over. EZ.Insure knows how important it is to protect your business so it can thrive and grow. Do not let a simple error be the end of something when you’ve already funded so much. Instead, invest in protection with a policy that is a perfect fit.

ez.insure logo
We’re the only hassle-free quote engine.

Business Owner’s Policy

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is insurance that typically combines both business property and general liability insurance into one. This bundle was made to protect businesses from risks such as fires or theft. Coverage can either be sold as one policy, a package, or can be sold individually. 

A business owner can add to the basic policy and tailor it to the needs of their company. It is a safe way to protect your business from the unexpected, especially if you own the property.

It will cover:

  • General Liability-protects a business from a person claiming bodily injury from your business.
  • Property-Liability – protects your business from property damage. This will cover all equipment and furniture in the business and is good for up to 5 office locations.
  • Business Income/Interruption Insurance– protects your business from income loss due to unexpected interruption of operations such as a fire.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance, also referred to as Error & Omissions Insurance, offers your business protection from professional mistakes. Any business that offers professional services or advice should consider professional liability insurance in the event of a negligence lawsuit or undelivered services.

When signing a contract with a client, you are bonded to provide the services expected by meeting a client’s expectations. At times your business may be required to have professional liability insurance to sign a contract. This insurance will give you peace knowing if there is an issue with a client, your business will be safe from the impact of a lawsuit.

You no longer have to figure it out on your own!

It covers:

  • Attorney fees and court costs and settlements—Your business is covered in the event of a lawsuit from a client, regardless of fault.
  • Work Mistakes—If your business makes a mistake that ends up costing your client money, then your business is covered if you must pay for the client’s losses.
  • Negligence/Undelivered Services—If your work does not meet standards, such as giving incorrect advice or you did not finish work that was supposed to be completed by a specific time, then you are covered if a lawsuit ensues.

Besides these examples, common accidents occur. Someone can fall or get hurt on your property, and then turn around and sue. BOP can save you from this catastrophe. If something were to happen that was out of your control, it is better to have coverage for these things that can be replaced. If not, you could lose your business. The same goes for any professional mistake. Things get overlooked sometimes, and the wrong thing will lead to your business taking a huge financial hit.

EZ.Insure gets it. We are a business too, so protecting yours is what we will do best. Do not get your dream business started, only to have to lose it all to some minor faults that could have been avoided. To get your business protected, make sure you are covered with BOP insurance and professional liability insurance. We will provide you with free quotes on all plans within your area, to make sure you are getting the best deal for your business and its needs. Call 888-615-4893, or email us at [email protected] to speak directly with one of our agents, or enter your zip code in the bar above to get free instant quotes. We will never sell your information to telemarketers as others do. Our state-of-the-art technology protects your information like no other company out there.

How Medicaid & Medicare Are Different

Medicare and Medicaid are two government-run health care programs. The two programs sound similar, but they are far from it. They serve different people, and are both operated and funded by different parts within the government. It’s easy to confuse the two; they even sound similar, but there are different requirements for each program, and who they cover.

This is a big decision, so make sure you talk it over with family and trusted advisors!

Medicare

Medicare is a federal insurance program that provides health coverage for people 65 and older. It is not based on income, and it is not free. In order to be eligible for Medicare, you must meet some requirements:

  • You must be 65 and older.
  • You must have worked and paid at least 40 qualifying quarters, or 10 years, of Medicare taxes to receive Medicare Part A.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.

Medicare Part A covers hospitalization, and is free as long as you have paid 10 years of necessary Medicare taxes. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. 

Medicare will cover 80% of your Part B expenses, leaving you with 20% to pay out of pocket. If the expenses get to be too much to budget, you can look into additional coverage to pay for the 20%, such as Medicare Supplement plans. These plans vary by premium, deductible, and coverage. Additionally, they are helpful to those who travel, as some cover international health care costs.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a government assistance program that is available in every state and is for individuals and families with low income. The income must be below 100% of the poverty line. Medicaid is typically free since most people receiving it have little to no assets. In rare cases, individuals are expected to copay. 

poverty level graph for medicare and medicaid
Poverty levels dictate how many people are eligible.

Medicaid covers:

  •  Hospitalizations
  •  home health care
  •  doctor visits
  •  labs
  • x-rays
  • preventive services
  • maternity and pediatric services

It will cover individuals and families, and if you have a disability, you might be eligible.

The Differences

Eligibility:

Medicare is typically for seniors 65 and older, and cannot be used for families. Medicaid is based on income, while Medicare is based on age and how many years you paid taxes in the U.S. while working. 

Enrollment:

 In order to enroll into Medicare, you must be within 3 months of your 65th birthday, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. It totals to 7 months when you include your birthday month. Medicare’s annual enrollment is from October 15 to December 7 and is when you can make changes to your plan.

Medicaid does not have an open enrollment period, you can just sign up anytime you are eligible (meaning below the poverty line).

Options:

woman happy with both Medicare and Medicaid
Your health and happiness are priorities. Talk with our experts if you have any questions!

Medicare has many options you can choose from. For example, you can choose a Supplement plan to help pay for Part B expenses. There are about 10 different Supplement Plans to choose from, making it easier to cover more of what you need, and gives you more control of how much you spend. There are different premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and deductibles for each plan. 

Medicaid, on the other hand, has very few options to choose from.

If you are in the market for a Medicare Supplement plan, we can help. EZ.Insure has trained agents in the industry that will provide you with quotes on all the different plans, and which suits your needs and budget mist. The agent will go over each plan, and even sign you up when you are ready- for free. We can help you get started when you are ready to sign up for Medicare, or just have questions on how to save money, or how to get more coverage. To get started, contact an agent at 888-350-1890, or email us at [email protected]. You can also get instant quotes by entering your zip code in the bar above, it’s that simple. No hassle, no obligation.

Why EZ.Insure Is The Best Place To Get Health Insurance Quotes Online

Health insurance is complex. With a variety of coverage options offered by dozens of insurance companies, shopping for a new policy can go from a chore to overwhelming quickly.

You have so many different factors to consider premiums, deductibles, and coverage, and your budget and medical needs. Thankfully, EZ.Insure can do the heavy-lifting for you.

Hassle-Free Quotes

ez.insure agent with quotes next to a wall
Own a business? Need personal coverage? Not matter what you need protecting, we have your back.

Searching online consumes so much time, but it doesn’t have to be strenuous. EZ.Insure will do all of the research and comparisons for you. Think of it like changing your oil, you go to an expert because they have the tools and knowledge to take care of it easily. We’re your neighborhood insurance experts!

When you enter your zip code in the bar above, you will instantly get quotes on all the health insurance plans that your area has to offer. What’s even better is that we promise your information will stay safe with us. You will not have to worry about people immediately contacting you after you fill out a form online.

Knowledgeable Agents

Instead of spending an eternity comparing different plans online, one of our agents will do it for you within 5-10 minutes. Our agents are highly trained in the health insurance field and will go over each plan with you, what it covers, and how much it is. This way, you can be guaranteed you will get the plan you want and need within your budget.

What’s better? You will be given one and only one agent. Think of him or her as your personal advisor. No bouncing around from agent to agent with endless phone calls and bothersome messages.

Accurate Quotes

Avoid all of the work of trying to find an accurate quote. Searching online can leave you with inaccurate quotes, and false information. If you’re not an industry expert, scams, errors, or simple ignorance can cost you tons of money, making this process even more difficult. It’s your health, and it’s important. 

EZ.Insure offers accurate quotes instantly. You will not be left in the dark. We will provide you with quotes of all the plans, without any hidden fees. Just instant, upfront information, and what the plan covers exactly. This will help you make the best decision regarding your own healthcare, and also alleviates further headaches like unexpected bills for medical expenses.

ez.insure logo
We’re the only hassle-free quote engine.

It’s FREE!

That’s it. Everything that we offer you is completely free. No obligation, or surprise charges.

We provide you with an agent, instant accurate quotes, and will even sign you up, for free. You don’t give us a single cent because our main goal is to help you.

 We do not get paid from whichever company you choose to go with. We just want to provide you with the best options out there. That is the reason our business was created. To help you without the bouncing around of agents, without the surprise bills, and without telemarketers hounding you. When we said hassle-free, we meant it.

 

If you are in the market for health insurance, then we’ve got your back. We offer more guidance than any other agency out there with our well equipped and informed agents in the industry. Simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890, or email us at [email protected].

Speak with an agent today!
Get Quotes