Individual
This is a policy you buy directly from an insurance company or through the marketplace. It provides coverage for just you and may be a good option if you don’t have access to other types of insurance (like through an employer). Premiums vary based on your age, health, and the plan you choose.
Family
A family plan covers multiple people, typically including a spouse and children. It can be purchased through the marketplace or an insurance company and usually offers more coverage than individual plans. Premiums are higher than individual policies because they cover more people, but they’re often more cost-effective than buying multiple individual policies.
Employer-Sponsored & Group Health Insurance
Employer-Sponsored: Offered by your employer as part of your benefits package. The employer often pays a portion of the premium, making it more affordable than individual plans. Group Health Insurance: This is health insurance provided to a group of people, usually employees of a company or members of an organization. It tends to have lower premiums due to the risk being spread out over a larger group.
Medicare
A federal program for individuals 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities. It’s made up of several parts: Part A: Covers hospital stays. Part B: Covers outpatient care (doctor visits, etc.). Part C: Medicare Advantage, which bundles parts A, B, and sometimes D. Part D: Prescription drug coverage.
Medicaid
A joint federal and state program for low-income individuals and families, regardless of age. Eligibility depends on income, family size, and other factors. It offers comprehensive health coverage, including hospital visits, doctor visits, and sometimes dental and vision care, depending on the state.
Dental and Vision
Dental insurance helps cover the costs of oral care, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and more complex treatments like root canals or crowns. It’s often not included in standard health insurance plans, so it may need to be purchased separately. Many plans cover preventive care at 100%, with other procedures requiring copayments or deductibles. Vision insurance helps cover eye care expenses, including annual eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Some health insurance plans offer basic vision coverage, but more comprehensive plans or standalone vision insurance may be needed for treatments like corrective surgery (e.g., LASIK).
