the Price of Health Insurance from an HMO

HMO plan for a spouse and children.My husband's company covers his plan cost, but we currently pay out of pocket for me and our two children. Our co-pay for office visits is $20 and specialist is $40. Hospital stays are $250 a day and emergency room is $150, not waived if admitted. Medications are varied, with most $20.

When we first got this plan, the copays were significantly lower than they presently are. The doctor visits were initially $10, specialist $20, medication $10, and hospital visits were covered. Emergency room was $100 waived if admitted. At the time, the plan was also significantly cheaper per month. In the past couple of years, costs per month have risen, while benefits have decreased. The company itself has been very kind to us and helpful in different situations where we were not aware of coverage. They helped us to switch primary physicians quickly when we moved and the access to doctors is fabulous. My only issue with the company is the cost. To continue the same level of care that we are used to is costing us more than is reasonable on a monthly basis. Healthcare costs are obviously a large issue today, and I am personally feeling at this point that I am paying for more than I am receiving.

It is very important to always look at all the fine print when your plan is updated every year. Many companies regularly up their cost and lower their services. If you don't look carefully at the changes that are happening, you can get locked into paying for a service that you no longer want.