Find the Rhode Island Health Insurance Plans Right for You
Rhode Island health insurance plans are available in several forms but most health benefits packages can be categorized into one of three main types. The main categories are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans and Indemnity programs, each with different requirements, benefits and restrictions. Each of these coverage plans offers acceptable levels of health coverage for most people, but the programs differ in requirements, coverage, approved health providers and premiums.
In an HMO plan, only health care received from a network-affiliated health care provider will be covered, and all specialized health services must be referred by the assigned primary physician in order to be a reimbursable service. With PPO coverage, health care is covered at a higher percentage when you use a network provider with negotiated, discount network rates, but you may also use out-of-health network providers and receive less reimbursement of your health care expenses. With an Indemnity type of insurance plan, you may use any health care provider you wish, and you will be covered for a fixed percentage reimbursement of your covered health care expenses. Among these programs, HMO plans will have the lowest premiums, while Indemnity insurance plans are quite comprehensive and are based on the most expensive premium rates.
When choosing among an HMO, PPO or Indemnity plan, you should first decide whether your preferred doctors and hospitals participate in the HMO or PPO network. Next, you should evaluate how much freedom you would need in choosing health care specialists should you need specialized care. Finally, you should consider the trade-off between having more freedom in choosing doctors, specialists and hospitals versus the significantly more expensive premium prices associated with having more choices and flexibility.