Factors to consider when getting an HMO plan

Filipinos are increasingly realizing the value of getting a plan from health maintenance organizations (HMOs), as it offers a practical fallback when dealing with health-related concerns.

Settling on a plan can be tricky, though, since not all HMOs offer the same benefits and price ranges. For an investment as important as this, there are many things to consider before arriving at the plan best suited to one’s needs.

Know your budget. HMOs typically come with premiums to be paid on a regular basis. Before picking a dependable provider, it is advisable to identify and compute the cost of the medical services that you will need in a year, and then check the amount you can spare for the premiums.

Each HMO specifies a maximum amount it will cover for a medical service. For as low as P7,782 per year, Medicard, a leading HMO provider, covers most of the common medical services such as Hospital Confinement, Out-Patient Care, Preventive Health Care, Emergency Care, Dental Care, and even Financial Assistance for its members.

Know the company. Knowing the HMO is just as important as knowing the plans it offers. You will experience greater confidence and peace of mind knowing your health plan provider has a good industry standing and is trusted by numerous members.

MediCard, for instance, is on its 26th year of being a pioneer in the HMO industry and boasts more than half a million members. To drum up the importance of having a reliable HMO, the company’s “Why Worry?” campaign demonstrates further the assurance one gets if they are financially covered by a plan especially during medical emergencies.

Know the network. An HMO provides patients health coverage within a network of doctors and hospitals, so its directory list is an important yardstick when choosing or maintaining a plan. If you have a doctor you’ve trusted for years, find out if he or she is part of the medical network. If a specific doctor you want isn’t part of the network, you may have to shell out the cash.

Having been in the industry for 26 years, MediCard has amassed a network of more than 40,000 accredited doctors, specialists, and dentists operating in close to 1,000 hospitals and clinics nationwide. Such a vast network ensures that you will get the medical attention you deserve.

Know how to use the benefits. Each HMO plan has an annual allowable expense. This expense is dependent on your chosen premium, so it is best to take advantage of your health plan instead of letting your benefits remain unconsumed by yearend. You may, for instance, visit any MediCard Free-Standing clinic (FSC) for reasonably-priced check-ups and tests which allows you to stretch your benefit as a MediCard member.

Factors to consider when getting an HMO plan

Filipinos are increasingly realizing the value of getting a plan from health maintenance organizations (HMOs), as it offers a practical fallback when dealing with health-related concerns.

Settling on a plan can be tricky, though, since not all HMOs offer the same benefits and price ranges. For an investment as important as this, there are many things to consider before arriving at the plan best suited to one’s needs.

Know your budget. HMOs typically come with premiums to be paid on a regular basis. Before picking a dependable provider, it is advisable to identify and compute the cost of the medical services that you will need in a year, and then check the amount you can spare for the premiums.

Each HMO specifies a maximum amount it will cover for a medical service. For as low as P7,782 per year, Medicard, a leading HMO provider, covers most of the common medical services such as Hospital Confinement, Out-Patient Care, Preventive Health Care, Emergency Care, Dental Care, and even Financial Assistance for its members.

Know the company. Knowing the HMO is just as important as knowing the plans it offers. You will experience greater confidence and peace of mind knowing your health plan provider has a good industry standing and is trusted by numerous members.

MediCard, for instance, is on its 26th year of being a pioneer in the HMO industry and boasts more than half a million members. To drum up the importance of having a reliable HMO, the company’s “Why Worry?” campaign demonstrates further the assurance one gets if they are financially covered by a plan especially during medical emergencies.

Know the network. An HMO provides patients health coverage within a network of doctors and hospitals, so its directory list is an important yardstick when choosing or maintaining a plan. If you have a doctor you’ve trusted for years, find out if he or she is part of the medical network. If a specific doctor you want isn’t part of the network, you may have to shell out the cash.

Having been in the industry for 26 years, MediCard has amassed a network of more than 40,000 accredited doctors, specialists, and dentists operating in close to 1,000 hospitals and clinics nationwide. Such a vast network ensures that you will get the medical attention you deserve.

Know how to use the benefits. Each HMO plan has an annual allowable expense. This expense is dependent on your chosen premium, so it is best to take advantage of your health plan instead of letting your benefits remain unconsumed by yearend. You may, for instance, visit any MediCard Free-Standing clinic (FSC) for reasonably-priced check-ups and tests which allows you to stretch your benefit as a MediCard member.

Medicard – Being in love and its health benefits

One of the best feelings in the world is being in love. But did you know that aside from giving one that giddy, happy feeling, being in love also helps keep one healthy? There are various medically-proven health advantages that come with having a strong affection for someone special. MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization, celebrates the month of love by sharing with you the health benefits of being in love.

Reduces stress

Ever wonder why people who’ve been hit by Cupid’s arrow always have that grin on their face? That’s probably because when you’re love, your body produces lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that induces stress. That’s why those who are in love are most likely to be in the best mood – all smiles and laughs that makes them more optimistic and energized.

Helps maintain a healthy lifestyle

You will notice that having a loving partner inspires you look good. Women tend to stay longer in front of the mirror, fussing on their faces, skin and hair. Men, on the other hand, become more inspired to hit the gym and tone those muscles.   Plus, it’s a proven fact that people who are in love  are less likely to be depressed and rely on the bad habits of smoking or drinking which takes a toll on your health.

Lengthens life

A happy relationship lets you live a longer life. The feeling of “being loved” feeling also contributes in work of the body system. It increases your heart rate and enables a healthy circulation of the blood; the sense of touch that is handy in dealing with pain by the simple hugs and holding of hands.

This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to say how much you love the people around you and make their heart skip a beat. You can also encourage them to start a healthy lifestyle by simply eating the right food, getting regular exercise and going to the doctor for regular check up.