Health Benefits Advisor

Other Coverage

You may be able to buy health coverage for yourself and your family other than through your job, your spouse's job, Medicaid, Medicare or CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). Coverage may be available from an insurance company or an HMO (health maintenance organization) or through your membership in a student, professional or other type of association (such as the AARP).

How to Choose Among Health Coverage Options

In choosing among the options available to you, you should review the SPD (summary plan description) for each available group health plan to determine which plan best meets your needs. You should also review and compare the information on the other coverages for which you are eligible. In making your decision, you may want to consider such things as:

1. Any waiting period (or affiliation period) under the plans;
2. Types of benefits offered (Is dependent coverage available? Do the benefits cover your family's medical needs?);
3. Cost of coverage (premiums, co-payments and deductibles for prescription drugs and doctor visits);
4. Limitations on coverage; and
5. Any exclusions from coverage (treatments, procedures, conditions or prescription drugs).

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