Most Americans receive health insurance through employers or family members, but losing a job may lead to loss of coverage. Managed care plans, such as HMOs and PPOs, offer differing levels of provider flexibility and costs, while short-term major medical insurance provides temporary coverage. Healthcompare is an online platform that facilitates researching and comparing various health insurance options from numerous carriers.

1. When an Apple a Day Isn’t Enough…

2. Most Americans either receive health insurance coverage through their employers or are covered by a family member’s policy.

3. If you leave your job you will lose your employer-supported group coverage.

4. Not every employer offers health insurance, especially small businesses.

5. You may not be eligible for health insurance through your company if you work part-time. http://healthcompare.org/

6. COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus BudgetReconciliation Act) allows for an extension ofcoverage through the group health plan for aspecified length of time, although the premiumis usually higher. HealthCompare.org

7. Indemnity health care plans offer a greater choice of care providers. You are not restricted to a specific group of physicians, hospitals, specialists or other health care providers. HealthCompare.org

8. Managed care plans work within a network of doctors and hospitals or “providers.” To receive the benefits of the discounts negotiated with specific doctors, hospitals and health care providers, you must use services from providers in the health plan’s network. HealthCompare.org

9. You’ll find some indemnity plans that offer managed care-type options, and some managed care plans that allow for members to use providers who are "outside" the plan’s specific network.HealthCompare.org

10. Three common types of managed health care plansPPO plans

11. HMO plans

12. POS plansHealthCompare.org

13. Health plans negotiate discount agreements with doctors, hospitals and other providers, and pass along the negotiated or discounted prices to plan members.

14. HMOs use restrictions to control costs.HealthCompare.org

15. You may need to select a primary care physician from a register of area physicians. Use as a gateway for all your health care needs and decisions, including referrals to obtain specialized medical treatment so costs can be managed easily.HealthCompare.org

16. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) often require you to see a provider within the network and to obtain referrals from a primary care physician. HealthCompare.org

17. Questions to compare plans:How do I determine which doctors are accepting new patients?

18. Can I change doctors?

19. How are referrals handled if I need care from a specialist?

20. How is emergency care handled?

21. What services are covered, including preventive care?

22. What if I need services not provided by the HMO network?

23. Are there additional fees or co-payments required for office visits, emergency care or other services and, if so, how much are they? HealthCompare.org

24. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) are a form of managed care plan. PPO does not necessarily require that you choose a primary care physician to supervise and make decisions for your health care.

25. In addition, with a PPO, you may be able to access providers and services outside of the “preferred” provider network. HealthCompare.org

26. It is important to note that PPO plans will likely involve more out of pocket costs than an HMO. PPOs typically involve deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance amounts.