A plan's network is the list of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies it has contracts with. Seeing someone outside it can cost much more, or not be covered at all.
Three ways to check
- The plan's provider directory. Search by your doctor's name and the exact plan name, not just the insurance company.
- Call your doctor's office. Ask: "Do you take [plan name] from [insurer] for [year]?" Offices often take some plans from an insurer but not others.
- Ask a licensed agent. They can check your doctors against each plan you're considering.
Why the plan name matters
The same insurer can sell several plans with different networks. A doctor being "in-network with" a company doesn't mean they're in every plan that company sells. Preferred providers cost you less.
Sources: HealthCare.gov: network · preferred provider · getting medical care
Want someone to check this for you?A licensed agent can go through your doctors, prescriptions and total yearly cost with you.Speak to an agent now