Buying Health Insurance For Dummies <90% UPDATED>

: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered services before your insurance starts to chip in.

Before comparing plans, you need to understand the five main ways you pay for care:

: An annual period (usually late fall) where anyone can sign up for the next year. buying health insurance for dummies

: Check Medicaid or Medicare if you meet specific income or age requirements.

: Higher premiums, but lower costs when you get care. Best if you have ongoing medical needs. 3. Networks: HMO vs. PPO : The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), plans are often categorized by "metal" levels, which tell you how you and the plan share costs:

: The fixed amount you pay every month to keep your insurance active, even if you don't go to the doctor. : Higher premiums, but lower costs when you get care

: Lowest monthly premiums, but highest costs when you actually get care. Best if you rarely see a doctor.