What Is Managed Care?

Managed care is the least expensive form of healthcare. It was introduced to help control the rising costs of healthcare.

Managed care gives more people access to affordable and quality coverage. Today, managed care is the most common kind of health insurance in America.

How Is Managed Care So Affordable?

Managed care works like this: a “network” of doctors, hospitals, specialists, clinics, and other healthcare providers is created by a managed care organization. By being members of the network, the providers see more business. In return, they provide their services at a discount.

That means you save money on your insurance — with affordable premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.

Functions Of Managed Care

Managed care uses a process called utilization review to monitor whether or not its patients are receiving appropriate care. Managed care administrators track where high levels of certain care are needed, and if patients are getting the right care to help them get better.

Managed care plans emphasize preventive care, something that many traditional Fee For Service plans overlook. Preventive care includes regular checkups, physicals, and immunizations — and managed care plans almost always cover these services.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Managed Care?

The most common forms of managed care are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).

Both offer advantages. HMOs tend to cost less, but PPOs make it easier to get care on your own terms. So when choosing between a PPO and an HMO it comes down to one question: Do you want more affordability or more flexibility?

Choosing the right plan is easy. With our free online quote service you'll be able to compare plans online in minutes. When you can see plans, prices, and benefits side by side, you'll be able to choose the plan that's best for you.