What is Commercial Health Insurance and What Types are Available?

Business insurance, also known as commercial insurance, is a financial protection for businesses from common risks such as customer lawsuits, employee injuries, theft, property damage, and other unexpected events. Commercial health insurance is a type of health insurance offered and managed by non-governmental entities. It can cover medical expenses and disability income of the insured. A preferred provider organization (PPO) plan is the most flexible option, allowing you to receive care outside of the network and not requiring you to name a primary care provider or get referrals to see specialists.

A health maintenance organization (HMO) plan has more restrictions than a PPO plan but usually includes lower premiums. Catastrophic health insurance is a protective network insurance for people under 30 and those facing financial difficulties, such as the homeless. This type of insurance is usually offered through an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, but you can also purchase a commercial health plan through other sources, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Employers often pay more than half of health insurance premiums, making it more affordable than taking out an unsubsidized ACA insurance marketplace plan or buying an individual health insurance plan directly from an insurer. These laws also establish mandates for how and when insurers must pay bills and reimburse providers and patients, as well as the amount of funds the insurer must keep in reserve to have sufficient capital to pay for benefits.

Generally speaking, any type of health insurance coverage that is not provided or maintained by a government-administered program can be considered a type of commercial insurance. The commercial term distinguishes these types of policies from insurance offered by a public or government program, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).The platform is designed to facilitate access to health insurance for individuals and families who may not be able to purchase health insurance from an employer. If you get health insurance through your employer, the company has a contract with one or more health insurance companies. If you buy individual health insurance through the ACA marketplace, you choose from a list of insurance companies that offer coverage in your area.

Health insurance plans purchased directly through insurers are also not eligible for tax credits or premium subsidies that help lower the costs of ACA plans for those who qualify. Commercial health insurance is health insurance offered by private issuers, unlike government-sponsored health insurance which is offered by federal agencies. Other examples of government-sponsored insurance include the Indian Health Service (IHS), the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and TRICARE. The State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and TRICARE are also government-sponsored public health insurance plans. When it comes to commercial health insurance, there are several types available depending on your needs and budget. PPOs offer the most flexibility while HMOs have more restrictions but usually include lower premiums.

Catastrophic health insurance is protective network coverage for people under 30 and those facing financial difficulties. Employer-sponsored plans are often subsidized by employers making them more affordable than taking out an unsubsidized ACA plan or buying an individual policy directly from an insurer.

AnnMarie Jerdon
AnnMarie Jerdon

Total tea advocate. Wannabe travel ninja. Avid burrito fan. Evil internet lover. Devoted internet specialist.

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