Glossary |
Our glossary of terms explains the jargon and defines the common acronyms you will come across at Health Care Reform Plans. Please email us at
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| Managed care plans | Managed care plans are health insurance plans that provide reduced-cost care for members by setting up a network of medical providers and facilities. Types of managed care plans include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), which typically cover only care obtained from within the network; Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), which typically cover care both inside and outside of the network, with more paid for in-network care; and Point of Service (POS) plans, which allow members to choose between an HMO or PPO each time they need care. Managed care, which came into play during the Reagan years in the United States, was originally aimed at reducing Medicare payouts.
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| Medicaid | Medicaid is a state-administered federal program in the United States set up to pay for medical services for qualifying low-income individuals and families. It is a program set up by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). For coverage, people must apply to the Medicaid program and meet certain requirements of eligibility (which vary from state to state), including age, disability, income resources, and status as a citizen or lawful immigrant. (See cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo.) (See Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.)
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| Medical malpractice reform | The Medical malpractice reform movement is supported by healthcare providers who wish to address the rising cost of medical liability insurance. They say that frivolous lawsuits and exorbitant settlements are penalizing doctors unfairly and discouraging doctors from choosing high risk specialties, such as obstetrics.
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| Medicare | Medicare is a program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The largest health insurance program in the country, Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older and people with kidney failure. According to the Medicare website, the program covers nearly 40 million people. (See medicare.gov.) (See Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.)
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| Medicare Advantage Plans | Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options offered through the Medicare program. Advantage plans may be HMOs, PPOs, private Fee-for-Service plans, or Medicare Special Needs Plans. They differ from the original Medicare plan in that patients may receive extra benefits and lower co-payments but may be required to go to doctors and hospitals that are part of the given plan. (See medicare.gov/Choices/Advantage.asp.) (See Medicare.)
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Glossary 
