2. Where Do I Get These Health Plans?
Group Policies
You may be able to get group health coverage—either indemnity or
managed care—through your job or the job of a family member.
Many employers allow you to join or change health plans once a
year during open enrollment. But once you choose a plan, you must
keep it for a year. Discuss choices and limits with your employee
benefits office.
Individual Policies
If you are self-employed or if your company does not offer group
policies, you may need to buy individual health insurance.
Individual policies cost more than group policies.
Some organizations—such as unions, professional associations,
or social or civic groups—offer health plans for members. You
may want to talk to an insurance broker, who can tell you more
about the indemnity and managed care plans that are available for
individuals. Some States also provide insurance for very small
groups or the self-employed.
Medicare
Americans age 65 or older and people with certain disabilities can
be covered under Medicare, a Federal health insurance program.
In many parts of the country, people covered under Medicare now
have a choice between managed care and indemnity plans. They also
can switch their plans for any reason. However, they must
officially tell the plan or the local Social Security Office, and
the change may not take effect for up to 30 days. Call your local
Social Security office or the State office on aging to find out
what is available in your area.
Medicaid
Medicaid covers some low-income people (especially children and
pregnant women), and disabled people. Medicaid is a joint
Federal-State health insurance program that is run by the States.
In some cases, States require people covered under Medicaid to
join managed care plans. Insurance plans and State regulations
differ, so check with your State Medicaid office to learn more.
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