The Main Difference Across Health Insurance Plans

Many consumers ask us what the main difference is across all the different health insurance plans.  And also, what makes the prices vary so much from plan to plan.  Obviously, there is more than just one factor driving price differences.  Factors such as network, carrier, HMO or PPO, all affect the price you pay for health insurance. 

Most individual and family plans in California are PPO plans.  This allows the member to get both in and out of network coverage.  Also, members do not have to get referrals to see other doctors and specialists.  The main factor though that drives the price for PPO plans is the deductible.  Usually, the higher the deductible, the less you will pay for the health insurance plan.  So if you are considered a healthier person, then maybe a higher deductible plan will save you some money on a monthly basis.  If you plan on using your health insurance a lot, then getting a plan with richer benefits will ultimately save you money.