In-Network

Refers to healthcare providers, facilities, or services that have agreed to provide medical care at negotiated rates with a particular health insurance plan. Patients typically pay less out-of-pocket for services received from in-network providers compared to out-of-network providers.

 

Health Insurance Plan

A contract between an individual and an insurance company that provides coverage for medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription drugs, and other healthcare services.

 

Provider

A healthcare professional or facility, such as doctors, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories, that deliver medical services or supplies to patients.

 

Out-of-Network

Healthcare providers or services that do not have a contract with a particular health insurance plan. Patients may still receive care from out-of-network providers, but they often face higher out-of-pocket costs or may not have coverage at all, depending on their insurance plan.

 

Co-pay

A fixed amount that an insured individual pays for covered healthcare services at the time of receiving care. Co-pays for in-network services are typically lower than those for out-of-network services.

 

Deductible

The amount of money an insured individual must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services before their insurance plan begins to pay for covered expenses. Deductibles usually apply to both in-network and out-of-network services.

 

Coinsurance

The percentage of costs for covered healthcare services that an insured individual is responsible for paying after meeting their deductible. In-network coinsurance rates are often lower than out-of-network rates.

 

Network

A group of healthcare providers, facilities, and suppliers that have contracted with a health insurance plan to provide services to its members. Networks can vary in size and composition, and some plans offer larger networks with more providers than others.

 

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

A type of health insurance plan that offers a network of preferred providers, but also provides coverage for out-of-network care, usually at a higher cost to the insured individual. PPO plans often do not require referrals to see specialists.

 

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

A type of health insurance plan that typically requires patients to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and obtain referrals from the PCP to see specialists. HMO plans usually offer lower out-of-pocket costs for in-network services but may not cover out-of-network care except in emergencies.