• Aetna
• Assurant
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Click for more options

• HumanaOne
• Kaiser Pemanente

• Supplemental Medigap Insurance
• Medicare Advantage Insurance
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Click for more options

• Monumental Life Insurance Company
• Unicare Life & Health Ins. Company
• Universal American
• WellCare

Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Shopping Tips

Tips For Shopping For Health Care Coverage

1. The most important point is to make sure that you have all of the documents related to the policy, and that you read these documents carefully. You should make certain that you understand all of the policy terms. Don't write a check, give out your bank account number or give any person money until you are completely sure that you understand exactly what coverage you are buying. Even if the person appears trustworthy, if you feel at all confused - wait. Give yourself as much time as you need to think about it and ask for the business card of the individual selling you the policy.

2. If you allow the insurance company to deduct payments directly from your bank account and you decide to end your insurance, it could take several months to stop the deductions and longer still to get back the money they continue to collect.

3. Comparison shop. Policies differ widely in coverage and cost. Request and read copies of the brochures describing the benefits and how to use them. For a list of companies selling individual health policies, HMO policies and small employer policies, visit our web site at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us.

4. If your employer offers different health benefit options, or if you are purchasing a policy on your own, you should carefully consider how you use health care to select the best value for you. If you rarely go to the doctor, and have savings to cover a deductible, you may want to select a policy that will have a lower monthly premium, but high deductibles. If you have a high-deductible policy, you may be able to use a health savings account to gain tax advantages. You should discuss this option with a trusted financial adviser or broker.

5. Take the necessary time to learn all you can about the insurance you want to buy. Ask people you trust for their opinion and enlist their help in your search. Is your doctor familiar with this health insurer, HMO or PPO plan provider? Also, make sure to find out if the product you are purchasing is an insurance policy, health maintenance organization (HMO) contract, a self-funded plan, or a medical discount plan. It is important that you understand what you are purchasing and the benefits being provided.

6. Do not be misled by advertising. Do not buy a policy simply because it is endorsed on television or radio, in newspapers or other advertisements by famous people. Only you can decide if a policy is the right one for you.

7. Find out at the time you are applying for coverage if, and under what circumstances, a company can refuse to renew your policy.

8. Fill out your application completely and accurately. If you do not give correct and complete answers to all questions, your claims may be denied or your policy cancelled. If someone else fills out the application for you, read it carefully before signing it. When you sign an application, you are agreeing that it is correct and complete even if someone else has filled it in for you.

9. Be careful how you pay for the policies. It is best to pay by check, money order, or bank draft made out to the insurance carrier or by credit card. If you pay cash, make sure you get a receipt.

10. Once you receive your policy, read it to make sure it provides the kind of coverage that's right for you. Make sure to read the section on "Exclusions and Limitations." If a benefit or service is limited or excluded, you will not be covered even though treatment may be considered medically necessary.

11. Check to see that the policy states the date that the policy will begin providing coverage, what benefits are provided or excluded and what deductibles, copayments, coinsurance or out-of-pocket maximums apply. If the policy's coverage is not what you thought you had purchased, return it. Under Maryland law, companies are required to give you at least ten (10) days to look over your policy after you receive it and to decide whether to keep it. Carriers are, however, allowed to charge you for the period of time the policy was in effect.

12. If you are considering buying a supplemental policy, make sure the health plan you currently have does not already cover the same services. If it does, the insurer of the supplemental policy may require you to file all claims with the primary insurer before submitting claims to it, and may limit the amount of money you will be reimbursed from the supplemental policy.

13. Before an insurance company will accept you as a potential policyholder, the company may want to place an exclusionary rider on your policy for a specified condition. If the policy is issued with an exclusionary rider, you will be responsible for the cost of any medical care, including doctor visits, prescription drugs and emergency care services received for the treatment of the excluded condition. Under Maryland law, carriers are not permitted to exclude mandated benefits. For a list of mandated benefits, go to the Mandated Benefits Section of this brochure, or visit our web site at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us.