Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider

When you're dealing with a health issue, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating your insurance policy. To help make your process a little easier, ask your insurance provider the following questions when you're choosing The University of Kansas Health System as your service provider.

• What type of insurance plan do I have?
• Is The University of Kansas Health System in my provider network?
• If so, here are some follow-up questions to ask:
• Does my insurance plan cover physician costs, as well as inpatient and outpatient hospital services?
• Does my insurance plan cover prescription medications and chemotherapy medications?
• What percentage of my bill does my insurance cover?
• What, if any, are my copayments and/or deductible amounts?
• If not, ask:
• Does my plan offer access to The University of Kansas Health System through a national referral network?
• Does my plan have out-of-network benefits? If so,
• If I choose to go out-of-network, what percentage of my bill will be paid by the insurance company?
• What do I have to pay?
• Does my insurance plan offer any additional coverage through special networks for treating medical conditions such as cancer?
• Does my policy have an out-of-pocket maximum? If so, ask:
• If my out-of-pocket expenses reach the maximum, will my insurance carrier ever reimburse at 100%?
• If so, does this mean my claims will then be paid in full, or will I still be responsible for the difference?
• Before I see a doctor at The University of Kansas Health System, do I need a referral from my primary care physician? Will I need an authorization from my insurance carrier?
• Will I be covered for any testing, pathology or radiology charges that may be incurred as part of my initial consultation with a doctor at The University of Kansas Health System?