What to Do When Your Health Insurance Runs Out

For CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield:866-241-6442.

For Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute: http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net.

For Medicare:800-MEDICARE or http://www.medicare.gov.

Questions to Ask

Health plans can vary drastically. Here are some questions you can ask to help clarify your cost and coverage. Also check with your state or city insurance department for assistance: In the District, call 202-727-8000; Maryland, 800-492-6116; Virginia, 877-310-6560.

· What are the premium costs, and how much will they increase upon renewal? (These are fees you pay, typically monthly, to have a policy.)

· How much is the deductible? (This is the amount you might have to pay each year before the health plan contributes.)

· Will I have co-payments? (These are flat fees paid when you visit a doctor.)

· Will I have to pay coinsurance? Is the amount capped? (This is a percentage of your medical costs.)

· What is the lifetime limit of the policy, or the maximum amount it will pay?

· How does the plan cover prescription drugs?

· What exact services are covered? For example, does the plan cover routine doctor visits and wellness checkups, emergency room care, home health care, mental health care, dental care, eye care, maternity care, infertility treatments and alternative therapies such as acupuncture?

· What are the exclusions? Determine whether the plan covers any medical problems you have and whether it will cover the problems right away or after a waiting period.

· If I keep my current doctors, will I be covered?

· What is the cancellation policy?

-- L.A.