Insurance Basics: Home

Shared Decision Making

We often rely on our doctors to tell us what care we need. But to get the best care, you and your doctor should make decisions together. This process is called “shared decision making”.

Shared Decision Making
Types of Health Plans

Many insurers offer different types of plans. The costs, coverage and rules differ for each

Types of Health Plans
In-Network and Out-of-Network Care

Your plan contracts with a wide range of doctors and other practitioners, as well as hospitals, labs, radiology facilities, pharmacies and other providers. These are the providers in your “network”. Each of these providers has agreed to take your plan´s contracted rate as payment in full for services.

Health Insurance for Active-Duty Military and Veterans

If you're an active-duty service member or a veteran, this article will explain your healthcare choices.

Looking Up Costs for Behavioral Health Services

To look up the estimated costs for behavioral health services (including mental health and alcohol and/or drug services), go to our home page, fairhealthconsumer.org, and click on Medical and Hospital Costs.

What You Need to Know about Medicare

If you’re 65 or older, figuring out how Medicare works and when to sign up can be challenging. It can be hard to know what kind of coverage you’ll need. There are Part A, Part B, Part D, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medigap. There also are other complex terms to know. This article will cover the basics of what you need to know about Medicare.