Medical Expense Insurance Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the HMO Act?

  • To provide reimbursement for hospital visits
  • To limit the amount of annual check-ups provided
  • To reduce the cost of health care through preventive care (correct)
  • To ensure all patients can choose their providers freely

How do HMOs differ from traditional insurance companies?

  • HMOs reimburse patients for out-of-network services
  • HMOs offer care and financing for their members (correct)
  • HMOs do not emphasize preventive care
  • HMOs provide only health services without any financing

What preventive service is typically offered for free by HMOs?

  • Emergency room visits
  • In-patient hospital stays
  • Annual check-ups (correct)
  • Surgical procedures

Who is eligible to join an HMO?

<p>Individuals living within the HMO's geographic area (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation do HMOs enforce regarding providers?

<p>They only accept physicians meeting their standards (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following services would NOT be typically covered by an HMO?

<p>Cosmetic surgery procedures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of deductibles in basic hospital expense coverage?

<p>There are no deductibles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are miscellaneous hospital expenses typically expressed in insurance policies?

<p>As a flat amount or a multiple of the room and board charge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a gatekeeper in an HMO?

<p>To control the number of referrals made to specialists (B), To manage the financial costs associated with specialty care (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitations are common in basic medical expense coverage?

<p>Limits per visit and per hospital stay. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the referral system in HMOs primarily benefit healthcare costs?

<p>By limiting access to expensive specialists unless necessary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically covered by basic medical expense coverage?

<p>Surgical procedures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is included in basic surgical expense coverage?

<p>Surgeons' fees. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if emergency care is provided outside the HMO's service area?

<p>The HMO will attempt to bring the member back into the service area (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered a maximum limit in the context of miscellaneous hospital expenses?

<p>$150 for use of the operating room. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In PPOs, how are physicians compensated for their services?

<p>They receive fees for services rendered (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation exists in HMO coverage for mental health services?

<p>Coverage may be limited for certain mental health treatments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of expense does basic medical expense coverage typically NOT include?

<p>Rehabilitation services. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are emergency accident benefits categorized within basic medical expense coverage?

<p>They're part of basic medical expense coverage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might cause a delay in a referral process in an HMO?

<p>The HMO has mechanisms to handle complaints (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do basic surgical expense policies typically cover?

<p>Surgeons' fees and anesthesiologist costs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are surgical procedures classified in the relative value approach?

<p>Using a point system relative to the maximum benefit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum point value usually assigned to in the relative value approach?

<p>Major surgical procedures such as open-heart surgery (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a surgical procedure is not listed in a policy’s surgical schedule?

<p>The contract may pay for a comparable operation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the conversion factor in the relative value approach represent?

<p>The total amount payable per point (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of major medical policies?

<p>They protect against unexpectedly high medical expenses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of expenses do major medical policies typically encompass?

<p>Broad coverage including hospital expenses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the conversion factor is 10, what amount does the policy pay for an appendectomy valued at 200 points?

<p>$2,000 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary difference between PPOs and HMOs?

<p>PPOs do not provide care on a prepaid basis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What benefit do members receive when visiting approved physicians in a PPO?

<p>They receive a 90% discount. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the payment structure in PPOs is correct?

<p>Physicians are compensated with fees for services rendered. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a subscriber benefit from using an in-network provider in a PPO?

<p>They receive a reduced fee compared to out-of-network providers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the characteristics of a Point-of-Service (POS) plan?

<p>It integrates features of both HMO and PPO plans. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about PPO contracts is true?

<p>Any physician that meets standards can join a PPO. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of coverage does Major Medical Expense insurance primarily provide?

<p>Reimbursement to the medical service provider (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in basic hospital expense policies?

<p>Deductibles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between basic medical coverage and Major Medical policies?

<p>Basic coverage often has more limited coverage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the limits set on hospital room and board under basic hospital expense policies?

<p>A fixed dollar amount per day for a maximum number of days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about first-dollar coverage?

<p>It typically does not require a deductible (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the insured's responsibility if the hospital charges exceed the basic hospital expense benefits?

<p>The insured has to pay the difference (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Basic medical coverages usually have coverage limits compared to Major Medical policies. Which of the following is a result of this difference?

<p>Basic coverages are less costly than Major Medical policies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which coverage requires the insured to initially pay a specified amount before benefits are provided?

<p>Major Medical Expense insurance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of a Point-Of-Service (POS) plan over HMO and PPO plans?

<p>Flexibility to choose between in-network and out-of-network providers each time care is needed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a POS plan, what happens if an individual chooses to use an out-of-network physician?

<p>Their copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may be higher (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do POS plans primarily manage access to providers?

<p>Through a primary care physician acting as a gatekeeper (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about PPO plans in relation to provider selection?

<p>Members can seek care from any provider without reduced coverage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a POS plan from an HMO?

<p>The ability to go out-of-network for care (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gatekeeping' refer to in the context of a POS plan?

<p>A primary care physician managing patient referrals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an insured in a PPO plan chooses an in-network provider, what is likely to happen to their out-of-pocket costs?

<p>They will be reduced compared to out-of-network costs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might a member of a POS plan have to pay a higher amount for a medical service?

<p>When choosing to see an out-of-network provider (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary aspect of a PPO regarding provider selection?

<p>Insureds can choose any provider without a referral. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an insured uses an out-of-network provider in a PPO?

<p>They incur higher out-of-pocket costs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which services in a PPO might require pre-certification?

<p>Inpatient admissions and certain treatments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of indemnity plans regarding non-member physicians?

<p>Members pay a fee for service with higher coinsurance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a PPO, what is the relationship between in-network providers and out-of-pocket costs?

<p>In-network providers equal lower out-of-pocket costs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required of insureds before visiting a specialist in a PPO?

<p>They can visit the specialist directly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a copayment in the context of HMO plans?

<p>A fixed amount paid for each medical service or visit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do HMOs primarily manage healthcare costs?

<p>Through a prepaid monthly capitation system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does a primary care physician (PCP) have in an HMO?

<p>They manage all healthcare services for the member (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the selection of physicians in an HMO?

<p>Members have access to a limited number of approved physicians (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically not required under HMO plans?

<p>Deductibles for services (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it beneficial for a primary care physician to keep their members healthy?

<p>To ensure steady compensation regardless of visit frequency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of medical policy provides coverage after basic expenses are exhausted?

<p>Supplemental Major Medical Policy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is typically not included in major medical policies?

<p>First-Dollar Coverage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of medical policy is mandated by the Health Maintenance Act of 1973 for employers with more than 25 employees?

<p>Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a corridor deductible?

<p>A requirement after basic coverage is exhausted (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Comprehensive Major Medical Policies are distinguished by which feature?

<p>Higher benefit maximums and coinsurance requirements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do Major Medical Policies generally share?

<p>Limited lifetime benefits per person (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of the Supplemental Major Medical policies?

<p>They provide coverage only after the basic policy has been exhausted. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is likely not covered by Supplemental Major Medical Policies?

<p>All expenses covered by the basic medical policy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Medical Expense Insurance Overview

  • Medical Expense Insurance encompasses basic hospital, surgical, and medical policies along with major medical policies.
  • Designed to cover medical care costs due to accidents or sickness.
  • Basic coverages may be purchased separately or as a package and usually don’t have deductibles.

Basic Hospital Expense Coverage

  • Covers hospital room, board, and miscellaneous expenses (e.g., lab tests, medicines).
  • No deductibles apply; however, may not cover full hospital charges.
  • Room and board charges are capped at a specified dollar amount per day.

Miscellaneous Hospital Expenses

  • Typically has a separate payment limit, expressed as a multiple of the room and board charge or as a flat amount.
  • Specific limits may apply to certain expenses (e.g., drugs, operating room use).

Basic Medical Expense Coverage

  • Provides coverage mainly for nonsurgical services rendered by physicians.
  • Benefits are limited to hospital stays and certain outpatient visits, with no deductibles.
  • Coverage can include emergency benefits, maternity care, and other medical services.

Basic Surgical Expense Coverage

  • Covers costs related to surgeries, including fees for surgeons and anesthesiologists.
  • No deductible applied, but coverage is limited to specified procedures and their maximum dollar amounts.

Major Medical Policies

  • Provide extensive coverage for hospital expenses and catastrophic health costs.
  • Common features include lifetime benefit limits, coinsurance, and significant deductibles.
  • Types include Supplemental Major Medical and Comprehensive Major Medical policies.

Supplemental Major Medical Policies

  • Supplement basic medical expense coverage, paying for expenses not covered by the basic policy.
  • Activate once basic coverage limits are reached or time limitations expire.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

  • Established by the Health Maintenance Act of 1973 to promote preventive care and reduce healthcare costs.
  • Offer free annual check-ups and immunizations to members for early disease detection.
  • Operate on a capitated model, receiving a set monthly fee per member regardless of care usage.

HMO Characteristics

  • Provide services rather than reimbursement; financing and care are integrated.
  • Limited to specific geographic service areas.
  • Members choose a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates their care and referrals to specialists.

Copayments and Service Models

  • Members pay a copayment for services (e.g., office visits).
  • No deductibles under HMO plans, simplifying access to care.

Referral System in HMOs

  • Referral from the PCP is required to see specialists, controlling costs.
  • Non-compliance with the referral system may incur costs for the PCP.

Emergency Care and Hospital Services

  • HMO members are guaranteed emergency care inside and outside service areas.
  • Limited coverage exists for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

  • A traditional medical service model where providers are paid based on service fees.
  • Encourage members to use approved providers, offering higher discounts for in-network services.

Point-of-Service (POS) Plans

  • A hybrid of HMO and PPO plans, allowing flexibility in provider choices at different cost levels.
  • Members can receive care from in-network or out-of-network providers but at varying coverage levels.

Important Features of POS Plans

  • No requirement for members to select a primary care physician, providing more freedom in choice.
  • Utilizing out-of-network providers incurs higher costs for the member; in-network care results in lower out-of-pocket expenses.

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