What is group health care?

by | Dec 13, 2013 | Health Insurance

The cost of health care in the United States is staggering and people simply need to have insurance that will guarantee them health benefits in Harrisburg PA. For people that are gainfully employed, they will usually be a participant in a group health care plan. Group health care constitutes a policy which offers discounted premiums and increased levels of benefit all depending on the number of participants in the plan. Although it provides comprehensive medical and health benefits in Harrisburg, PA, it is different from a personal policy where the premiums are paid to the insurance company directly. Most group insurance plans are either sponsored in whole or in part by the employer as an integral part of the conditions of employment. In the event the employee leaves the company, the coverage ceases.

Group health insurance plans are quite beneficial to the beneficiary. Even if the plan offered by the employer is contributory, the amount is always far less than the premium would be if the insurance was purchased privately. Not only are the premiums lower, the plan normally provides higher coverage and most patients who are covered under a group plan can select from a larger group of medical professionals.

The costs are lower for a couple of reasons. The insurance company can make arrangements with healthcare providers based on volume; furthermore the cost to administer the plan is far less. A plan which consists of many members takes no more time to administer as it does for a single insured individual; once again there are efficiencies that come with volume.

A group plan does not necessarily mean that it is sponsored by an employer; a group plan can be arranged for any number of people. When an employer is the plans sponsor he may or may not cover the entire premium on behalf of every employee, it may be contributory. The amount of contribution varies but the insurance coverage is the same for all full time employees.

In the event the group plan is sponsored by a group other than an employer, the group must be a legal entity which maintains a list of the members. In many cases the premiums are paid in full by the member but as it is a group plan, the costs are lower than private insurance with the same cover and health benefits in Harrisburg PA.

Wevodau Insurance & Benefit Strategies, Inc. is insurance consultants that can help you plan for your health benefits in Harrisburg, PA.

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