2025 health insurance plan, how to buy health insurance, insurance company recommendations

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) : Preferred medical service organizations. PPO insurance plans have a higher degree of freedom and can reimburse medical services both within and outside the network. However, if you use services provided by clinics and doctors within the network, your out-of-pocket expenses will be much less, and you do not need a referral to see a specialist. However, if you use services outside the network, you may need to pay out of pocket first, and then fill out a form and submit supporting documentation to apply for a rebate from the insurance company. The premiums for PPO plans are generally more expensive.
• Point of Service (POS) : Point of Service. POS insurance plans are between HMO and PPO, with more options than HMO, but lower premiums than PPO. POS plans will reimburse medical services both within and outside the network, and the out-of-pocket expenses will be less if you choose within the network. You need to designate a family doctor, and a referral is required to see a specialist.

HSA vs FSA

If you have purchased a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)/high deductible medical insurance plan (the premiums for such plans are usually lower):

• In 2025, the deductible for individual health insurance is $1,650 or more, and the deductible for family health insurance is $3,300 or more; the maximum deductible is $8,300 for individuals and $16,600 for families.

You are eligible to open a Health Savings Account (HSA) , where you can set aside a certain amount of money in your HSA (up to $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families in 2025, plus an additional $1,000 for those over 55). This amount is tax-free (pre-tax) , and the money in the account can only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses, such as deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and drug costs, but not for health insurance premiums.

Some employers also provide employees with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) similar to HSA . It is not restricted by the type of medical insurance plan, and the deposited funds are also tax-free and can only be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. In 2025, individuals can deposit up to $3,300 into an FSA account.

Other health insurance options

Medicaid