Just like a good game of chess, consumers have to strategize to select a winning health care plan that provides quality care at an affordable cost.
What exactly determines a win? Finding an affordable health insurance plan that provides treatment options to keep you healthy and help you save money. Often when you’re not feeling well, you don’t have time to think of cost-saving strategies. But if you do your homework during open enrollment, lay out all of your options and determine your next move before an emergency strikes, you can avoid spending hundreds of unnecessary dollars on a health plan that isn’t tailored to your needs.
There is an option in the marketplace that might be right for you, and is worth consideration- a narrow network plan, sometimes called a limited network.
A narrow network plan is affiliated with specific hospitals, physicians and doctors that fall under one health system.
For you, this means coordinated care and potentially the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars each year.
Why choose a narrow network?
Narrow networks are a useful tool for consumers who are looking to save money and may already receive care from one specific provider system. The plans available give members a range of options to fit their needs – from high deductible plans that can lower overall health care costs, to holistic care from an all-inclusive team of providers.
A few more benefits:
- Coordinated care within one health system and transparency of costs.
- No referral needed when care is provided within the designated health care system. Note: With the Spectrum Health Partners plan, members are able to visit 14 campuses with more than 1,800 providers.
- The option to receive lower monthly premiums while receiving high quality care.
Often, emergency services outside of the network are covered as part of the narrow network.
However, just as the name indicates, your options with a narrow network are more constricted than with other health care plans.
There are limitations to the physicians and hospitals that you can seek care from. It’s important to do your research before selecting a narrow network plan because it does not work for everyone.
What you need to know before narrowing your selection
Narrow networks can be confusing. Understanding exactly how the plan works and which provider options are available may become frustrating if providers or health insurance carriers are not upfront about the plan options.
Things to consider:
- While narrow networks may fill a niche for many families, they are not a one-size-fits-all option.
- Narrow networks require that you receive care only within a specific health system of doctors and hospitals. Make sure you do your research and choose a nationally recognized, high ranking health system.
- Care received by a doctor or hospital outside of the network may not be covered and patients will be responsible for 100 percent of the costs.
That’s why members are encouraged to use tools, such as the Find a Doctor directory, to ensure physicians are in the health system’s network beforehand.
The best advice to follow when selecting a winning affordable health insurance plan for your family is to look at the plan’s specific benefits, the network of doctors and do your research. Use the tools available to help ensure you select a great plan at a price you can afford.