Don’t understand some of those tricky words and terms your health insurance company uses? Here are some quick definitions and explanations to help you better understand your health insurance and get the most out of your plan.

Deductible: This is a specific amount of money your health insurance company may require you to pay out-of-pocket each year before your health insurance plan begins to make payments for your claims.

• Not all health insurance plans require a deductible, however, HMO plans (Health Maintenance Organization) do not typically require deductibles while most PPO plans (Preferred Provider Organization) do require a deductible.

Disenrollment: This is the process of ending your membership in a health insurance plan.

• Disenrollment can be voluntary or involuntary. You may find more information on disenrollment in your Evidence of Coverage (EOC).

Dependent Coverage: This is health insurance coverage that is extended to the spouse and children of the primary insured member in the health insurance plan.

• There are certain age restrictions on the coverage of children that may apply.

Some definitions found at eHealth. For more health insurance definitions please visit eHealth Health Insurance Glossary.

Published April 3, 2018