What types of health insurance are available?

The insurance market is made up of the following:

1. Federal Health Insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, SCHIPS and Indian Health Service)

and

2. Commercial Health Insurance (Private or Public Companies such as United Healthcare, Nonprofit Organizations such as most Blue Cross Blue Shield Organizations, although some are for profit, and Patient Owned Co-ops such as Group Health in Washington state)

Both the Federal and Commercial Insurance Companies have tried to lower expenses by allowing other companies (referred to as Managed Care Organization's) to act as the "agent" responsible in making sure that the patients (referred to as policy holders,beneficiaries and/or members) select a plan (also called a Policy) that covers the medical services (also called the benefits) most appropriate for each patient.

In case you were wondering, HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) are considered Managed Care Companies.