Ch.2 Health Flashcards
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
(BCBS) is a non profit federation of health insurance organizations in the U.S. that provides a range of health insurance plans, including individual, family, and employer-sponsored coverage. They offer various health benefits and services, including medical, dental, and vision care, through a network of doctors and hospitals. BCBS is known for its extensive network and nationwide presence, with different independent companies operating under the BCBS umbrella in various states
Service providers
offer benefits to subscribers in return for the payment of a premium. Benefits are in the form of services provided by hospitals and physicians in the plan
A health maintenance organization (HMO)
aim to balance cost control with quality care, but the trade-off can be less flexibility in choosing providers and accessing services outside of the network
A preferred provider organization (PPO)
a collection of health care providers such as physicians, hospitals, and clinics who offer their services to certain groups at prearranged discount prices. In return, the group refers its members to the preferred providers for health care services. Unlike HMOs, preferred provider organizations usually operate on a fee-for-service-rendered basis, not on a prepaid basis. Members of the PPO select from among the preferred providers for needed services. (more freedom of seeing whatever doctor you want, some may provide more coverage than others)
The federally administered Medicare program
took effect in 1966. Its purpose is to provide hospital and medical expense insurance protection to those aged 65 and older. It also provides protection to any individual who suffers from chronic kidney disease or to those who are receiving Social Security disability benefits
Social Security OASDI program
In addition to Medicare, the federal government also provides disability related benefits through the…
Disability income benefits are available to covered workers who qualify under Social Security requirements. One of the requirements is that the individual must be so mentally or physically disabled that he cannot perform any substantial gainful work
Medicaid
is Title XIX of the Social Security Act, added to the Social Security program in 1965. Its purpose is to provide matching federal funds to states for their medical public assistance plans to help needy persons, regardless of age. Medicaid benefits are generally payable to low-income individuals who are blind, disabled, or under 21 years of age. Medicaid is funded by both the federal and state governments and administered by individual states
workers’ compensation
All states have these. which were enacted to provide mandatory benefits to employees for work-related injuries, illness, or death. Employers are responsible for providing workers’ compensation benefits to their employees
Multiple employer trusts
a method of marketing group benefits to employers who have a small number of employees. METs can provide a single type of insurance (e.g., health insurance) or a wide range of coverages (e.g., life, medical expense, and disability income insurance). An employer who wants to get coverage for employees from a MET must first become a member of the trust by subscribing to it
Multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA)
a type of MET. It consists of small employers who have joined to provide health benefits for their employees, often on a self-insured basis. They are tax-exempt entities. Employees covered by a MEWA are required by law to have an employment-related common bond
TRI-CARE
a federal government accident and health plan which provides accident and health coverage to military services members and their families
Case management
involves a specialist within the insurance company, such as a registered nurse, who reviews a potentially large claim as it develops to discuss treatment alternatives with the insured
Prospective review
involves analyzing a case before admission to determine what type of treatment is necessary
Concurrent review (utilization review)
involves the monitoring of a hospital stay by a nurse while a patient is in the hospital to determine when they will be released, if they require home health care or if a transfer to another facility such as a hospice center or extended care facility is warranted
Retrospective review
involves an analysis of care, after the fact, to determine if it was necessary and appropriate. The purpose of this review is not to deny claims but to monitor trends regarding treatment so that future actions may be taken to reduce or eliminate unnecessary healthcare costs, especially in high-cost areas