Vocabulary 1
The amount of money you pay each month just to have insurance, whether or not you use it
Premium
A clinic that charges patients based on what they can afford to pay instead of one fixed price
sliding scale clinic
What is one reason someone might not go to the doctor, even if they are sick or hurt?
concerns about cost, insurance/not having insurance, being undocumented, fear of doctor,e tc
The amount a patient must pay before their insurance starts covering costs
deductible
A government health insurance program that offers free or low-cost healthcare to eligible people with low income
Medicaid (Medi-cal)
Would an HMO or PPO plan typically have a higher monthly premium? Why?
PPO; this plan offers more flexibility
A flat fee you pay at a doctor’s visit even when you have insurance (example: $20 per visit)
co-pay
What are two of the factors that sliding scale clinics use to calculate how much a patient owes?
(depending on household size and income)
What does a patient need to get from their primary care physician to see a specialist?
referral
Any healthcare cost that a patient has to pay themselves, not covered by insurance
out of pocket cost
A federal government health insurance program for individuals age 65 or older or individuals under age 65 with certain disabilities
Medicare
What does PPO stand for?
Preferred Provider Organization
A health insurance plan that comes with a specific network of providers you can use to get care. You are required to choose a primary care physician as your main provider.
HMO
A health insurance plan that partners with a group of clinics, hospitals, and doctors to create a network of preferred providers. You do not need to have a primary care physician and do not need referrals to see specialists.
PPO
What does HMO stand for?
Health Maintenance Organization