Friday To Do: Turn in your Egg Baby Reports – staple & put in the purple bin. Health Care Lecture. Take notes – we will have an open-notes quiz on Monday! Work on your Final Power Points over the weekend. They are due next Friday by 3:30 pm!!

Medicine and Health Insurance Obtaining Health Care Medicine and Health Insurance

Types of Healthcare: Standard Healthcare: Typical of US Medication and surgery are common treatments ID the problem then treat the problem

Types of Healthcare: Alternative Medicine: Chiropractic care, acupuncture, relaxation treatment, vitamins, herbs

Types of Healthcare: Holistic Medicine Look at all aspects of one’s life: stress level, diet, habits, and attitudes Believe that mind and body are connected

Quackery Use of ineffective treatment by untrained medical professionals Most vulnerable are those desperate for a cure Protect yourself: Ask to see credentials, check with the Dept. of Health, see what the US Department of Health and Human Services says: http://www.hhs.gov

Healthcare Providers Routine Care: Specialized Care: Regular check-ups Minor ailments and injuries Primary Care Physicians Specialized Care: Internists, gynecologists, neurologists Docs who specialize in one specific area

Types of Health Insurance HMO Health Maintenance Organization Primary Care Physician controls access to services Small co-pay Providers get a set amount of $ for care and can not overspend Pro: prevents unnecessary procedures Con: may not get care you need, must stay in network

Types of Health Insurance PPO Preferred Provider Organization have more choices in care Can see docs outside of network Deductible: must pay this each year before insurance steps in Pro: good if you have a catastrophic disease, more options, you control Con: Usually more expensive, not good for those not medically savvy

Types of Health Insurance POS Point of Service Costs are determined by who provides the service Doc coordinates care, insurance company pays maximum amount, can see anyone without referral, Combo of PPO and HMO

Types of Health Insurance Prescription Drug Coverage Pay a fixed amount for medication Life Insurance Money to pay for expenses once you have passed

Maintain Coverage Always keep up insurance. You can be denied for: A pre-existing condition Recently diagnosed and serious illnesses

How to protect yourself Shop wisely: Consider short-term policy (cheaper) Evaluate your health status (how often do you go to the doctor? Try plan with high deductible and low premium) How often do you visit the doc? (Young kids or family? Maybe an HMO) COBRA Laws Anyone who leaves their job still can have insurance for 18 months after