Commercial health insurance is health insurance provided and administered by non-governmental entities. It can cover medical expenses and disability income for the insured.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Nongovernmental agencies provide and administer what is called commercial health insurance.
- Two of the most popular types of commercial health insurance plans are the preferred provider organization (PPO) and health maintenance organization (HMO).
- Most commercial insurance is provided as group-sponsored insurance, offered by an employer.
- Although not government-administered, plan offerings, to a large degree, are regulated and overseen by each state.
Understanding Commercial Health Insurance
Commercial health insurance policies are primarily sold by for-profit public and private carriers. Generally, licensed agents and brokers sell plans to the public or group members; however, customers can also purchase directly from the carrier in many instances. These policies vary widely in the amount and types of specific coverage that they provide.
The term “commercial” distinguishes these types of policies from insurance that’s provided by a public or government program, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In broad terms, any type of health insurance coverage that isn’t provided or maintained by a government-run program can be considered a type of commercial insurance.
Most commercial health insurance plans are structured as either a preferred provider organization (PPO) or a health maintenance organization (HMO). The main difference between these two types of plans is that an HMO requires patients to choose one primary care physician, who serves as the central provider and coordinates the care that other specialists and healthcare practitioners provide.
Types of Commercial Health Insurance Plans
Commercial health insurance can be categorized according to its renewal provisions and the type of medical benefits provided. Commercial policies can be sold individually or as part of a group plan and are offered by public or private companies. Some insurance programs are operated as non-profit entities, often as an affiliated or regional operation of a larger, for-profit enterprise.
Health insurance in the commercial market is commonly obtained through an employer. Since employers typically cover at least a portion of the cost, this is often a cost-effective way for employees to obtain health coverage. Employers are often able to get attractive rates and terms because they negotiate contracts with insurers and can offer them a large number of insurance customers.
Important- insurance provided and/or administered by the government is mainly funded through taxes and is geared towards the disadvantaged (e.g., low-income people and disabled persons), seniors, military personnel, and federally recognized Native American tribal members.