Word of the day

Friday, February 7

Patient-centered Care

Model for care delivery that accounts for the needs and preferences of patients and their families.

Thursday, February 6

Excepted Benefits

Benefits not offered by a specific health plan.

Wednesday, February 5

Post-acute Care

Medical care provided after serious hospitalization (examples include: rehabilitation, long-term care).

Tuesday, February 4

Monday, February 3

Friday, January 31

Administrative Services Only (ASO)

A type of insurance plan where the employer pays the actual costs of insurance claims while the insurance company is only responsible for administering the plan – occurs when a company is “self-insured.”

Thursday, January 30

Medical Underwriting

Determining acceptance of an applicant for health care insurance based on their medical history. It also determines the terms of the coverage including premium cost and pre-existing condition exclusions. The Affordable Care Act prohibits medical underwriting.

Wednesday, January 29

Unsubsidized Premium

The base price of insurance before applying any credits or adjustments.

Tuesday, January 28

Monday, January 27

Reinsurance

Insurance for insurance providers that have higher than anticipated health care claims. This program seeks to lower the premium insurers charge by limiting the high health costs they are exposed to. The Affordable Care Act establishes a reinsurance program for insurers participating on the exchanges, and if an enrollees costs reaches a certain amount (the “attachment point”) the program with reimburse for a portion of the costs above that amount.

Excise Tax

A tax paid by the manufacturer or retailer of a good or service, as opposed to directly by the consumer (as in a sales tax).