Assignment

Assignment Title HealthChoice/Maryland Managed Care Plan

Benefits Offered and Services Covered You want a plan that offers a comprehensive benefits package including preventive care as well as treatment programs for chronic disease management. Also, you may need emergency care and/or care away from home. What questions would you ask to determine the benefits and covered services offered? Evaluate the HealthChoice plan and summarize your findings.

Cost vs. Benefits

Managed care plans vary widely in the cost of services offered. It may be tempting to base your selection primarily on the periodic, out-of-pocket costs to you. You can't be sure that the least expensive plan will give you all the medical services you need. Review cost vs. benefits for the HealthChoice plan carefully and summarize your findings.

Services of the Primary Care Physician Choosing your primary care physician (PCP) may be the most important decision you make when enrolling in a managed care plan. The following questions are important when choosing your plan: Please answer each question.

• Can you choose more than one PCP for your family?
• Is there a large choice of primary care doctors and specialists?
• How long is the average wait to get an appointment with the chosen PCP?
• Can you see the same doctor consistently?
• When and how can you change doctors if you are dissatisfied

How does HealthChoice measure up?

Prescription Drug Benefits When evaluating a health plan it is very important to know what kind of prescription drug benefits the plan offers. Depending upon the plan, there are several systems that have been implemented in efforts to control costs. Some plans offer a "generic only" plan. What prescription drug benefits does HealthChoice offer? Are they beneficial to your current drug regimen?