The information in this section will assist you with selecting the right Health Insurance Plan for you and your family. The rising costs of health care make it extremely important for you to have adequate coverage to relieve some of the financial burden in case of unexpected serious injury or illness. Also, the research shows that people who have health insurance are more likely to visit their doctor regularly and receive better health care.
Consumers are assuming a greater role in managing their health care coverage. Today, you can choose from many different types of insurance plans and products. Here are some of the options that you should consider when making your decision:
1. Cost of Health Plans
2. Coverage and benefits
3. Access to doctors,
hospitals, and other providers
4. Access to after hours and emergency
care
5. Out-of-pocket costs (coinsurance, co-payments and deductibles)
6.
Exclusions and limitations
Make sure you get the facts about your insurance before you are faced with an
emergency situation. Read all the "fine print" and understand all your options
before making your decision.
The State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP), a division of the Georgia Department of Community Health, provides health insurance coverage to state employees, school system employees, retirees and their dependents. As of September 1, 2009, the SHBP provided health coverage for 693,716 members and dependents. SHBP currently offers four Plan options for its active members and their dependents, including: 1) Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), 2) High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), 3) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and 4) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). In addition, retirees enrolled in Medicare may choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage option with prescription drug overage. For more information, visit the dch.georgia.gov.
PeachCare for Kids™ is a comprehensive health care program for uninsured children living in Georgia through a partnership between the Georgia Department of Community Health , Georgia Families and three health care plans, also known as private care management organizations (CMOs). The plans are Amerigroup Community Care, Peach State Health Plan and WellCare. The health benefits include primary, preventive, specialist, dental care and vision care. PeachCare for Kids™ also covers hospitalization, emergency room services, prescription medications and mental health care. Each child in the program has a Georgia Families CMO who is responsible for coordinating the child's care. For more information, visit dch.georgia.gov.
