Case Study Comparisons

Part 1

Complete the chart below that differentiates the following insurance types. Include 5 to 7 characteristics as well as the target audience for each identified plan type.

Plan Type	Characteristics of Plan	Target Audience for Plan
Indemnity Plan
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Consumer Directed Health Plan (CDHP)
Medicaid
Medicare

Part 2

Review the following insurance plans and then answer the questions below.

Services	Bronze	Silver	Gold
Monthly cost	$163	$194	$245
Deductible	$6,000	$4,000	$1,000
Primary care	$35 co-pay for three visits, then 20% of co-insurance	$30 co-pay/provider/day	$20 co-pay/provider/day
Specialist visit	$70 co-pay for three visits, then 20% of co-insurance	$60 co-pay/provider/day	$40 co-pay/provider/day
Preventive care/screening/immunization	No charge	No charge	No charge
Diagnostic test (x-ray, blood work)	$35 co-pay or 20% of co-insurance if co-pay limit is reached	Office visit co-pay or 20% of co-insurance	Office visit co-pay or 20% of co-insurance
Level 1 prescription drugs	$25 co-pay/30-day supply	$15 co-pay/30-day supply	$15 co-pay/30-day supply
Emergency dept. services	20% of co-insurance	$350 co-pay/facility/day	$250 co-pay/facility/day
Emergency medical transportation	20% of co-insurance	20% of co-insurance	20% of co-insurance
Urgent care	$75 co-pay	$60 co-pay/provider/day	$60 co-pay/provider/day
Hospital stay (facility fee, physician/surgeon fee)	20% of co-insurance	20% of co-insurance	20% of co-insurance

1. Compare the plans above.

• What are the major differences between the plans?
• What are the major similarities between the plans?
• If you were presented with these plans, what would be the major selling points and pitfalls of each plan for you?

2. Read and answer the questions below regarding the two consumers (A and B) and refer to the Gold, Silver, or Bronze plans listed above.

Consumer A

Betsy has Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. She visits the doctor often to keep her diabetes and blood pressure controlled. The doctor regularly checks her blood levels and prescribes level 1 prescriptions to help Betsy control her diabetes and blood pressure. Betsy is considered a controlled diabetic. She uses her insurance plan frequently.

1. Compare the plans provided and determine the best plan for Betsy. Remember to consider deductibles and general costs for the services she would be using.

For several years, Betsy was really taking care of herself. However, after suffering a broken leg and being more inactive, Betsy has gained weight and has not been diligent about controlling her diabetes. Betsy has found that she is requiring emergency department services and urgent care more often.

2. If Betsy was considering changing her insurance plan, which plan should she consider? Why?
3. How does the plan she should consider in this scenario compare to the plan choice from question 1?
4. Describe the impact diabetes, as a chronic disease, has on health care costs.

Consumer B

Zach is a healthy 30-year-old who rarely goes to the doctor and does not take any medication. He has been offered the insurance plans above. He is considering the plans for use of common ailments (e.g., colds) and for preventive tests.

1. Compare the plans and determine which would be the best plan for Zach.

Zach has recently been hired as a construction worker and is considering changing his health plan. He realizes that this new job may have more hazards than his last job.

1. Which plan should Zach consider? Why?
2. How does the plan he should consider in this scenario compare to the plan choice from question 1? Remember to consider deductibles and general costs for the services he would be using.