Health
Care Plans
The insurers of health care are not only the traditional stock and
mutual
companies, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield, but also the health maintenance
organizations (HMOs) and PPOs formed by hospitals and physicians
to deliver
health care directly to enrollees in their plans.
Commercial Insurers
Commercial insurers are stock and mutual life insurers and sometimes
casualty
companies. Commercial insurers have traditionally provided coverage
on a reimbursement basis but have also begun to embrace alternative
approaches. Reimbursement plans pay benefits directly to the insured,
who is
responsible for paying the providers of medical services.
Commercial insurers offer both individual and group health insurance
products.
These products include basic medical expense coverage, major medical
plans, comprehensive
medical plans, disability income policies, and other types of health
products.
