explain insurance

Another question from me,

When looking at residency programs they all offer some kind of insurance. I've had free healthcare for so long over here I'm oughta the loop... What kind of plans are best, can you get full coverage plans for myself, kids, and DH.. Most of the programs say something about resident paying premium or some of it? .. (oh and what about dental?).. What kind of insurance is typical during residency, is there anything to watch out for, or anything that is condsidered attractive in a health insurance plan?

Thanks for the help!
Kristen

[PrincessFiona]

Ugh...I'd say you just opened up a can of worms. I don't even know what to tell you. I'd say that regardless of the kind of insurance that the programs offer your family will get good care simply because your husband is a resident. We had HMO plans during residency and fellowship. Our fellowship program did not offer dental, btw.

One thing htat was hard for me to get used to was all of the co-pays etc. I used to forget my checkbook every time and no one could understand that. They thought it was intentional...I just was used to not having to pay each time I went to the pediatrician.

kris

[Vishenka69]

It's hard to say what plans are best, since it really depends on what is offered and preferred in your area. For example, Oxford HMO is considered one of the better ones in NY and 99% of doctors (including specialists) accept it. I'm not too crazy about our current plan, since we can only use in-house staff. On the other hand almost all prescriptions are completely free. So I guess it's a trade off.

What is co-pay? (ok obviously one has to pay for some of the bill) Is it reimbursed, half and half?

[Vishenka69]

Co-pay is usually $10-20 per visit. Most insurances waive it for annuals to the internist and gyn, so you only pay when visiting a specialist.

Ok I get it now... I'm just overly-concerned about having good insurance.