Health Insurance Words to Know

Benefit

A benefit is a service or supply that is covered under a health insurance plan. This might include office visits, lab tests, and procedures during the course of treatment.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of covered medical expenses that you are required to pay after the deductible. Let’s say your health insurance plan has a 20% coinsurance requirement (excluding additional copays). Once you have met your deductible for a $100 medical bill, you would pay $20 and the insurance company would pay $80. You might see this referred to as 80/20 coinsurance. Some plans offer 0% coinsurance, meaning you’d have no coinsurance to pay.

Copayment (copay)

Often shortened to copay – it’s a set amount that you’ll pay for certain medical services or supplies at the time of service. Doctor visit copays commonly run from $35 to $50. Prescription copays often are $15 to $60 depending on the type of drug purchased.

Deductible

A deductible is an amount your insurance plan will require you to pay out-of-pocket for covered expenses before the plan pays benefits. With ACA plans, a deductible will usually cover one calendar year. Short term plans have a per-term (number of coverage months you select) or per-cause (separate for each illness or injury) deductible. A higher deductible usually results in lower premiums.

Health Insurance Marketplaces

Health insurance marketplaces, or "exchanges," are a way for people to shop for and buy health insurance, which may be referred to as a health plan. Each marketplace is divided between individual (for families and individuals) and SHOP (health plans for small employers) marketplaces.

Indemnity Plan

An indemnity plan is a health insurance plan that reimburses the covered person for incurred medical expenses. Indemnity plans often include a deductible that must be satisfied before claims can be paid. Covered persons can usually see any qualified provider without a change in benefits. Indemnity plans are sometimes called fee-for-service plans.

Network

A network is a group of physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers that have agreed to provide medical services at pre-negotiated rates.

Open Enrollment Period

The open enrollment period refers to the period of time (usually once per calendar year) when people can freely apply for a health care plan or change their benefit selections.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Sometimes called the coinsurance out-of-pocket maximum. This amount is the highest you’ll pay each year toward coinsurance costs for covered expenses. After this amount, the remainder of your covered costs are taken care of by your health insurance, though some copays may still apply. Be sure to check your plans for details.

Premium

When you pay the insurance company for the time your insurance coverage is active, that is called a premium.
The amount of premium you pay may possibly be lowered in some specific cases For example, if you choose a higher deductible, you can often lower your premium. Also, some employers offer options for partial premium coverage, and if you qualify, you may receive a premium tax credit toward an Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance plan.

Special Enrollment Period

A special enrollment period refers to the period of time (usually 60 days) when people become eligible to apply for a health care plan or change their benefit selections due to experiencing a qualifying event, such as job loss, having a baby, or being disqualified from Medicaid.

Underwriting

Underwriting is the process the health insurance company uses to review an application to determine the insurability of the applicant(s). ACA plans are guarantee issue and do not require underwriting. 

Waiting Period

Waiting period is a time period after you start a health insurance plan when coverage may not be available for some medical conditions.

Now that you’re more accustomed with these health insurance terms, you can explore UnitedHealthcare branded health insurance options that are right for you. Browse health insurance plans.