Insurance Glossary

Plain English explanations of insurance terms used by agents, companies and lawyers and found in your insurance policies.

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A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T U V W

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Health care reimbursement accounts

accounts that allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical care or costs

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, a federal law that guarantees health care plan eligibility for people who change jobs, if the new employer offers group insurance.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations)

provide health services through a network of hospitals, doctors, laboratories, and so forth.

Hospital indemnity policy

pays a fixed dollar amount for each day you are hospitalized, regardless of the actual costs.

Hospital pre-certification

managed care plans often require prior approval before the insured enters the hospital. In the case of an emergency, or other situation where pre-certification is not possible, such plans often require prompt notification – often in 48 hours after admission.