After you review what benefits are available, you can compare plans. The degree of freedom you have in selecting a doctor or hospital depends on the type of plan you select. How much choice you want is a personal decision. Choice of doctor . All managed care plans have a list of doctors from which you can choose.
Some plans restrict the list to doctors in a specific organization.
In other plans you can select from a list that includes doctors from several different practices or hospitals. Many plans require that you select a primary-care doctor who will provide most of your medical care. Choice of hospital . When you choose a primary care physician, you also indirectly select a hospital, even though you may not realize it at the time. Although you may be healthy now, the situation may change quickly if you have an accident or develop a sudden illness.