Larry's Tip of the Week:
Your health insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company which lists all the medical benefits your insurance company agrees to cover. These benefits can include tests, treatments, drugs and preventative services. Your insurance policy also includes a section which lists all services that are excluded from your policy and services that are payable but only on a limited basis.

There are many different insurance plans. Do not rely on your doctor to know all the specific details of each policy. Most of the things your doctor recommends will probably be covered, but some may not. You could still receive the treatment your doctor recommended but you will have to pay for it yourself.
Take the time to read your policy and know what the insurance company will pay for before you receive a service, get tested or fill a prescription.

Talk to your insurance representative and have them explain your coverage and how it works. When shopping for health insurance use an independent insurance adviser who works for you. Someone who can show you many of the different insurance companies plans available and explain how they work.

Remember that it is your insurance company and not your doctor who makes the decisions about what will be paid for or not. it is ultimately your responsibility to know how your insurance policy works.