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1992.11.23 :  Health Insurance Booklet

Contact:  Bob Isquith (301) 227-8364
November 23, 1992

       A new booklet published by the Agency for Health Care
Policy and Research can help consumers choose health insurance
that best meets their needs and their budget. 
     Checkup on Health Insurance Choices was developed for
Americans facing health insurance decisions for the first time,
and those needing to reassess their current coverage or find a
new plan.  The booklet also is intended for persons who can
afford insurance but have chosen not to purchase it.
       "Health insurance is one of the most important investments
Americans can make," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health
James Mason, M.D., head of the Public Health Service. 
"Unfortunately, finding adequate coverage at the best price is a
complex, sometimes overwhelming process because of the many
options that are available.  The situation is even more difficult
for those with special insurance needs, such as the thousands of
women who serve as heads of households and care for minor
children."
       AHCPR--an agency of the Public Health Service within HHS--
conducts and supports research concerning the cost, availability
and quality of health care services.  According to some of its
findings, people who are adequately insured generally seek health
care to prevent medical problems or treat them in the early
stages.  However, people without adequate coverage tend to delay
care until the problems are advanced and treatment is more
involved and costly. 

       Therefore, consumers need more information about their
choices regarding adequate health insurance, according to AHCPR
Administrator J. Jarrett Clinton, M.D.  
       "Checkup on Health Insurance Choices contains basic,
easily understood information to help consumers obtain greater
value for their health care dollars," Dr. Clinton said.
       The booklet describes the sources of group and individual
health insurance and the three major types of plans:  fee-for-
service (or traditional), health maintenance organizations and
preferred provider organizations.  Also included are insurance
shopping tips, definitions, a quiz, a checklist of important
services, pertinent questions to ask when evaluating plans and a
worksheet for determining the reader's best insurance buy.
       Medicare, Medicaid, disability insurance, hospital
indemnity insurance and long-term care insurance are briefly
described, with resources provided for additional information.
       Free copies of Checkup on Health Insurance Choices are
available through the AHCPR Publications Clearinghouse at P.O.
Box 8547, Silver Spring, Md. 20907.  A toll-free number--1-800-
358-9295--is in operation weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern
time.

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