Health insurance costs are on the rise, but you can still get affordable health insurance in Philadelphia if you know where to look. Here’s how …
What types of health insurance are available?
There are two types of health insurance available in Philadelphia:
1. Government Health Insurance Programs
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) – This is a federal health insurance program administered by the state that provides medical care for low-income Philadelphians, pregnant women, children, elderly adults, disabled adults, and people caring for a disabled family member.
adultBasic – This is a state health insurance program for low-income adults who cannot afford private health insurance. This program provides preventive care, doctors services, and hospital coverage.
Chip (Children’s Health Insurance Program) – This is a state health insurance program that provides medical care for uninsured children and teenagers who are not eligible for Medicaid.
For more information on these federal and state programs, visit Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare website at: dpw.state.pa.us
2. Private Health Insurance Plans
Private health insurance plans include:
* Fee-For-Service (FFS) plan – This is a health insurance plan that pays for doctor services, hospital fees, and prescription drugs. With this plan you may choose your doctor and hospital. You are reimbursed for a percentage of your medical expenses (usually 80%) after you pay a deductible ($500 to $2,000). FFS plans are the most expensive health insurance plans.
*Managed Health Care Plans (HMOs, PPOs, POSs) – These plans pay for doctor services, hospital fees, and prescription drugs, but may also pay for preventive care such as health care clinics and fitness center discounts. With these plans you are assigned to a health care network of doctors and hospitals. You pay a co-payment (usually $5 to $10) for each doctor visit. HMOs are the cheapest health insurance plans, followed by PPOs then POSs.
Where can I get affordable health insurance in Philadelphia?
You can get affordable health insurance by going to an online insurance comparison website. There you’ll receive health insurance quotes from a number of companies and can choose the cheapest one.