If you refer yourself to a provider outside the network and the service is covered by the plan, you will have to pay coinsurance. Many employers allow you to join or change health plans once a year during open enrollment. But once you choose a plan, you must keep it for a year. Discuss choices and limits with your employee benefits office. If you are self-employed or if your company does not offer group policies, you may need to buy individual health insurance.
Individual policies cost more than group policies.
You may want to talk to an insurance broker, who can tell you more about the indemnity and managed care plans that are available for individuals. Some States also provide insurance for very small groups or the self-employed. Medicare Americans age 65 or older and people with certain disabilities can be covered under Medicare, a Federal health insurance program. In many parts of the country, people covered under Medicare now have a choice between managed care and indemnity plans. They also can switch their plans for any reason.