 TITLE: What to Know Before You Buy Health Insurance CONTENT: Understand the Types of Health Insurance Plans and Networks\n-----------------------------------------------------------\nYour health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs can vary widely depending on the kind of health insurance plan you choose. There are four broad types of plans, and each one manages your care to a greater or lesser degree.\n*   **Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)**: In this type of plan, you'll browse your HMO's provider network to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates your medical care. If you need to see a specialist, for example, you'll first have to get a referral from your PCP and preapproval from your insurance company. Except for emergency services, you must see providers within the HMO network in order for care to be covered by insurance.\n*   **Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)**: As with an HMO, services with an EPO are covered only if you use providers within the plan's network (with an exception for emergency services). However, you typically don't need to choose a PCP and can visit any doctor, specialist or hospital you want without a referral as long as you stay in-network.\n*   **Point-of-Service (POS)**: With this type of plan, you generally choose a PCP from within the network and need referrals from that provider to see specialists. Unlike an HMO or EPO, you may be able to get referred to specialists outside the network and receive limited benefits for their services; however, services from in-network providers are covered at a higher rate.\n*   **Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)**: The most flexible kind of health insurance plan, PPOs generally don't require a PCP and give you the option to see any doctor or specialist you like, inside or outside the plan's network of preferred providers. You don't usually need a referral to a specialist, although you may need preapproval from your insurance company. You'll pay less if you use providers within the PPO network, but care from out-of-network providers is often covered to some degree. PPOs give you more control over your care, but typically charge higher premiums than HMO, EPO or POS plans.\nEven within the same type of health insurance plan, benefits can vary greatly, so be sure to read the details of a specific plan carefully before making a decision. If you want to see specific doctors, contact the doctors to confirm they accept the plan you're considering. Need to take ongoing medications? Find out if the plan covers those prescriptions before you enroll.\nAdditionally, plans within the Marketplace are broken up into four \"metal\" categories that differ in terms of the level of coverage you'll receive: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Lower-tier plans, such as Bronze and Silver, can save you a lot on your monthly premium but you'll be responsible for paying more out of pocket when and if you do need to use your coverage.\nIf you missed the enrollment period for health insurance or don't qualify for Marketplace subsidies and can't afford the full premiums, you may want to consider a short-term health insurance plan. These plans typically have low premiums and offer coverage that takes effect right away, with no waiting period. Despite their name, you may be able to renew short-term health insurance for as long as 36 months, depending on your state's regulations.\nHowever, short-term health insurance has some important limitations to be aware of. It usually does not cover pre-existing conditions, and may not cover routine exams or preventative care, maternity visits, mental health care or prescriptions. As a result, short-term health insurance is best used as a stopgap measure, rather than a long-term health care solution. END