The Government’s Support of Private Health Services Plan Programs

Why would an employee forgo a private health services plan and choose a public, government provided health service plan? Moreover, why would someone choose to pay more for medical insurance and pay to use a private health service plan? There are benefits to utilizing government provided medical and dental benefits, as there are benefits to using the private option. With a variety of pros and cons, it is imperative for individuals and families to evaluate their needs, potential usage and financial resources to decide what the best type of plan is for them.

As the health care industry continues to pass more and more of their costs onto the consumer, utilizing health care is more discretionary and should be consumed on an as needed basis. While some people are underinsured, others are over insured. Some individuals don’t have enough insurance based on the types of services they need on a yearly basis. People with ongoing chronic conditions might find themselves going out of pocket for prescriptions or tests they need to maintain their health. Others purchase medical insurance and never use their benefits to go to the doctor all year though they suffer through minor coughs and colds. While the idea of insurance is “just in case”, proper evaluation of medical benefit usage will help an individual decide just what kind of medical insurance someone needs.

As medical plans evolve to meet the needs of employees and employers, medical insurance companies and state programs seem to be introducing new products to meet the needs of high usage medical plan participants as well as those who purchase benefits for just in case scenarios. Because one type of insurance plan doesn’t meet everyone’s needs, what an employer can provide varies compared to the options that the national plan does. The national plan is a one size fits all model. It offers core benefits that are consistent across the board. This means that the plan only meets the criteria outlined by the government. It doesn’t take into account the type of medical expenditures you may use and doesn’t allow the recipient to cater the program to meet his or her own needs. While this type of plan promotes fairness, it isn’t designed to create a comfortable medical experience like a private health services plan offers.

The private health services plan is offered by employers who tend to offer a variety of medical insurance options that allow employees to choose what would work best for an individual and his or her family. From a single person to a family with children, medical plans are offered with various plans. Some plans are written for people who don’t use prescriptions or go to the doctor very often but want to have medical insurance in the event they are diagnosed with a disease. These people may feel they are in good health and can ride out a common cold or the yearly flu. Other employer plans may have rather high premiums but offer copays for service instead of deductibles. This lowers out of pocket expenditures and allows participants to go to the doctor on a more consistent basis. This type of plan might be beneficial to a family with young children who tend to get lots of ear infections and viruses. With frequent visits to the doctor for a variety of childhood ailments, it might be cost effective to pay less for doctor visits. Access to the private service health plan allows participants to select doctors and points of service based upon their choosing. No matter what plan you decide to use, the public or the private options, it is assuring to know you and your loved ones have access to medical care and access to doctors to help maintain your well being today and into the future.