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How to Choose the Right Health Insurer During Open Enrollment

By Trisha Torrey, About.com

Updated October 30, 2009

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Can You Choose Your Own Doctors?

Health insurance companies negotiate pricing with doctors and their practice managers. While it's not always true, often you'll find that the less you pay for insurance premiums, the fewer choices you have for the doctors you can see.

If you have been seeing specific doctors over time, and you are comfortable with them, then you'll want to be sure they accept the insurance for any of the companies you might decide to choose to insure you.

Some insurance programs will allow you to see doctors who are not part of their network, and they will pay a portion of the cost. Most of these plans are PPO plans (Preferred Provider Organizations) and they are often more expensive than other plans.

If your doctors are not covered, in whole or in part, you might have to pay for their services out of your pocket, or change doctors to accommodate the insurer you choose.

If you are having trouble determining which of your insurance options will best cover the doctors you want to see, then contact your doctor's billing department and ask them which of your insurance options they accept.

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