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The Power of Prevention: Reduce Your Risk for Common Cancers

The National Cancer Institute estimated that in 2025, roughly 2 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Based on this research, breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for almost 50% of all new cancer cases in the US.

With cancer affecting so many people each year, adopting preventive measures has become more important than ever. By focusing on lifestyle modifications and early detection, you and your loved ones can significantly reduce your chances of developing cancer and live long, healthy lives.

Learn about prevention, screenings, and lifestyle tips that can help protect you and your loved ones against these common cancers.

Skin Cancer

Did you know: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It often appears on areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck, back, chest, or shoulders.

Colon Cancer

Did you know: The American Cancer Society estimates that over 152,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026. However, the number of people diagnosed has steadily declined since the mid-1980s due to increased screening and changing lifestyles.

Lung Cancer

Did you know: According to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, about 20% of lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who have never smoked, which is why awareness and screening recommendations are important for many adults.

Breast Cancer

Did you know: According to the American Cancer Society, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13% and the median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62.

Prostate Cancer

Did you know: According to the American Cancer Society, about six in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 67.

Don’t delay. Schedule your routine screenings and take proactive steps towards preventing cancer, as prevention truly is the best medicine. Download this infographic to see what other screenings you may need based on your age, and for appointment tips to get the most out of your visit. For more lifestyle tips that help with cancer prevention, read this blog.

Have you received a diagnosis or treatment plan and want to get a second opinion? As part of our CalVEBA medical plans, members can get a free expert second opinion through our partnership with Teladoc Medical Experts. This is a no-cost service that provides you with access to world-renowned doctors and specialists so you can have confidence before making major medical decisions.

Learn more at Teladoc.com/Medical-Experts or call 800-835-2362

The Importance of Preventive Care

Don’t wait until you’re sick to see your doctor. Preventive care isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong health.

What is Preventive Care?

Typically, you visit the doctor when you’re sick or something just doesn’t feel quite right. While you should always seek help in those instances, preventive care means taking proactive steps—like regular check-ups, screenings, and immunizations—to protect your health before problems arise.

These visits support early detection and give you and your doctor the opportunity to work together toward your personal health and wellness goals. During a preventive care appointment, your doctor will determine which tests or screenings are appropriate based on your age, gender, health status, and family history.

What’s Typically Covered?

Physical Exams

During a physical exam, your doctor will observe, listen, and gently examine your body to help identify symptoms, assess underlying conditions, and determine if further testing is needed. You’ll also have the chance to discuss any concerns, review your medical history, and review current medications.

Immunizations

Immunizations (or vaccinations) are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from infectious diseases. They help your body build antibodies that recognize and fight illness if you’re exposed later.

Common immunizations include flu and tetanus shots, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and hepatitis A and B vaccines.

Screenings

Member Moment

Meet Ginger
“It’s very hard to look your kids in the eye and tell them that you have cancer. When they told me I was cancer free, I felt like I could breathe for the first time. I had great insurance, and I know our members do too, so I hope this is encouraging them to get their yearly checkups.” – Ginger, Member since 2013

Watch Ginger’s full member moment here.

Screening tests help detect certain diseases before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes and can prevent or delay complications. Use the infographic below to see which screenings may be recommended for your age group.

Preventative Health Screenings by Age, CalVEBA Infographic

Disclaimer:

This is a general guide for average-risk individuals. Higher risk may require more frequent screening. Consult with your health care provider.

Download Infographic

Appointment Scheduling Tips

Preventive care appointments are usually covered at no cost with in-network providers. Check your plan documents to confirm coverage and costs.

Make the most of your doctor’s appointments by being well-prepared and organized using our Appointment Ready: Your Doctor’s Visit Prep Guide.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Before Your Appointment:

  • Make a List: Bring a list of medications and jot down questions or concerns.
  • Bring Your Insurance Card: Download and save to your mobile wallet for easy access.

During Your Appointment:

  • Arrive Early: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete any paperwork. 
  • Dress Comfortably: Wear a shirt or loose-fitting sleeves for your blood pressure check. 
  • Use Your List: Review your list with your doctor. 
  • Speak Your Mind: Your time and health are valuable! 

After Your Appointment:

  • Follow Through: Take prescribed medications as directed and schedule any recommended follow-ups or screening. 
  • Speak Up: Report new symptoms or concerns promptly.  
  • Get a Second Opinion: If you’re unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, CalVEBA members can access second opinions from world-renowned specialists at no cost through our partnership with Teladoc Medical Experts. 

Preventive care can help you stay ahead of health issues and maintain overall well-being.

Download our Appointment Ready: Your Doctor’s Visit Prep Guide today and start planning for your next preventive care visit!

Thank you to our content partners at Sharp HealthCare and Healthwise.

Need help to schedule an appointment or have questions about your medical coverage? Contact the California Schools VEBA Advocacy Team here or call 888-276-0250.

Is Your Health Plan Still Right for You? 5 Key Things to Check 

A lot can happen over a year. Your health, budget, life situations, and more can all change. Open Enrollment is a great time to reassess your needs and ensure your current health plan meets them. As you prepare to make your selections for coverage, use this checklist to help you see if your current health plan is working for you, your health, and your budget.

Here are five key health plan areas to check: 

1. What’s Covered 

Coverage, in health insurance terms, is the costs from your medical services and prescription drugs that your health plan pays. What and how much is covered under your health plan can change from year to year, and what you need covered can also change. For example, having a baby, getting married, getting divorced, and major changes in health needs, all can impact the type of health plan you need.   

Your health plan gives you a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) each year. This document is an easy-to-understand overview of benefits and coverage provided by your health plan. Before you make your choices, it’s a good idea to review the SBC through the lens of your needs now rather than what you needed a year ago. If you need help finding a copy of your plan’s SBC or understanding it, we’re here to help. CalVEBA members can access their plan information online at .

2. How Much Are Your Costs?

Take a moment to review your total health care costs over the past year. Were there any costs that were higher than expected? Are there any trends? Consider whether you anticipate these trends to stay consistent, rise, or decrease. If you anticipate needing more care next year and expect higher expenses, it’s important to determine if your current plan effectively manages those costs. Additionally, if your financial situation changes, your current plan may become unaffordable for you.  

When looking at health care costs, remember, there’s more to the total than monthly premiums. Total costs of care over the year include monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. (Read this blog for definitions of these terms.) Review your expenses for each category over the past year to determine if your current plan meets your budget needs. Consider any anticipated increase in care for the upcoming year as well. 

3. Is Your Care Team In-Network?

Selecting your care team — a team of health care professionals like primary care providers (PCP) and specialists that you choose to go to for care — is a personal decision. You need to feel comfortable with them as a person and confident in them as a professional.

When selecting providers and facilities, ensure they are within your health plan’s network. By choosing in-network providers and facilities, that have contracted agreements with health plans and offer services at reduced rates for plan members, you can save money. 

If you’re not happy with your providers, get recommendations from friends and family and then check if they are in-network for your health plan. Your comfort in seeking and receiving care is very important. Take time to make sure you’re getting what you need from your care team while still protecting your budget with your plan’s network. 

4. What’s the Customer Service Like?

During this time of year, reflect on your experience with your health plan carrier. No company, system, or process is perfect, but you deserve the totality of your experience to work for you.

Have an issue with your health plan carrier you need assistance with? Reach out to The CalVEBA Advocacy Team here or call 888-276-0250. 

5. What Prescription Drugs Are Covered?

Health plans may include prescription drug coverage. You can find what’s covered and how much in your plan’s formulary or list of covered drugs. You can access this formulary on your health plan’s website, by contacting your health insurance provider directly, or reviewing the documentation provided to you when you enrolled in the plan. If you take prescription drugs or anticipate being prescribed any soon, you’ll want to review this list as coverage and costs may change year to year. 

Remember, it’s important to take your medication as your doctor prescribed — at the right times and in the right amounts. Don’t stop your medication without talking to your provider. Take this time to thoroughly review your prescription drug coverage and what that means for your health and your budget. It may still work for you, or you may need to pick a different plan for next year.

Understanding Your Health Plan Coverage 

If you find health insurance confusing, rest assured, you are not alone. From uncommon terms to complex grids of benefits to cost share percentages, many people have trouble fully understanding their health plan coverage. In fact, one study shows that over half of the adults surveyed felt at least one part of their health insurance was difficult to understand. Let’s demystify your health plan by walking through where to find your benefits information and how to decode it. 

Summary of Benefits and Coverage

Your best source of information is your health plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). It’s an easy-to-understand overview of benefits and coverage provided by a health plan. Health insurance companies are required to provide this document for all plan types so that prospective and current members know their benefits and are also able to compare plans more easily. With that said, there’s still a lot of to unpack in this document. Below you’ll find an explanation of each section. 

Plan Information

The SBC starts with general information about a plan. This includes the type of plan it is, dates the coverage is active, and who is covered. In addition, the introduction directs you to where you can find term definitions that will be used in the document.  

Important Questions

Following the general plan introduction is a section called Important Questions. It clarifies your share of costs for care like your deductible and out-of-pocket maximums. Additionally, this section explains the plan’s use of in-network and out-of-network providers and your access to each. 

Common Medical Events

Next is a grid of common medical scenarios, what you’ll pay for each, and any rules or limitations associated. You can use this section to really get into the nuts and bolts of a plan and determine if its coverage is right for your current health needs and budget.  

Exclusions

Some medical services are not covered by your plan such as cosmetic surgery, long-term care, coverage when you travel, and routine eye care. The SBC will outline what those are and what that means for you. Sometimes what’s not covered is just as important for you as what is so make sure to review this section, too. 

Coverage Examples

People learn differently. To ensure that everyone fully understands a plan, the SBC includes examples of coverage for specific medical conditions or events. One coverage and cost share example may be living with type 2 diabetes and another may be having a baby. 

Prescription Drug Coverage

If a plan includes prescription drug coverage, the SBC will direct you to a formulary or list of covered drugs and cost-sharing to review. Take the time to review that document even if you don’t have any prescriptions as that could change.  

Rights to Continued Coverage

This section lets you know that you have a right to continued coverage unless you move out of the coverage area, don’t pay your premiums, or fraud the insurer. A carrier cannot take away your coverage because of any health issues.  

Your Rights to Continue Coverage: There are agencies that can help if you want to continue your coverage after it ends. The contact information for those agencies is: [insert State, HHS, DOL, and/or other applicable agency contact information]. Other coverage options may be available to you, too, including buying individual insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information about the Marketplace, visit www.HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318- 2596. 

Where and When to Review Your SBC

Now that you know the basics of a SBC, you can review it when you want to confirm your current coverage or compare coverage options. You can access your current plan’s SBC on MyVEBA. With Open Enrollment starting, you should be provided a new one soon. Under the Affordable Care Act, the SBC must be distributed with enrollment forms. If there is an auto-renew of a plan, employers must provide the SBC within 30 days of the plan beginning. Sometimes plans change coverage during the year. You’ll receive a new SBC with those changes at least 60 days in advance. So make sure to review any important plan inform 

Working Together for Your Healthiest Life

If you find this blog helpful in understanding health insurance and the open enrollment period, be sure to check out the other blogs in this series for more in-depth information here. 

Get Support: The VEBA Advocacy Team can help you review your health plan and discuss it with you in depth. Call 888-276-0250 or visit calveba.org/contact for assistance. For urgent requests, use the “Urgent” box on the contact form. 

MyVEBA Portal: Easily view your current health plan information through the online portal.

Benefit Contacts: For assistance with specific carrier benefits or issues, such as claims or coverage details, visit calveba.org/benefit-contacts to contact them directly.    

Simplifying Health Insurance: Exploring Options

Health insurance can be a complex and confusing topic, but understanding the different options available to you is crucial for making informed decisions about your health care. In this blog post, we will explore some common terms and concepts related to health insurance. 

Insurance Plans 

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

An HDHP is a type of health insurance plan that has higher deductibles (the amount you have to pay before insurance kicks in) and lower monthly payments compared to other plans. 

  • HDHPs are typically paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA), which allows individuals to save pre-tax money to pay for qualified medical expenses.  
  • This can be a great option for those who are generally healthy and don’t anticipate needing frequent medical care. 

EXAMPLE: Sarah is generally healthy and only visits the doctor for annual check-ups. She opts for an HDHP with a higher deductible but lower monthly premium. Sarah also opens an HSA, contributing $100 each month. Over the year, she accumulates $1,200 in her HSA, which she uses to cover her annual check-up costs and any unexpected medical expenses. This setup helps her save on monthly premiums while preparing for potential health care costs. 

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

An HRA is an employer-funded benefit plan that reimburses you for qualified medical expenses.  

  • Your employer contributes money to the HRA, and you can use those funds to pay for eligible health care expenses. 
  • HRAs are typically used in conjunction with employer-sponsored health insurance plans and can help offset out-of-pocket costs for employees. 

EXAMPLE: John works for a company that offers an HRA. His employer contributes $500 to his HRA annually. John uses this money to pay for his prescription medications and some co-pays for specialist visits. This benefit reduces his out-of-pocket costs for health care, making his overall health care expenses more manageable. 

Health Savings Account (HSA)

An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that you can use to save money for medical expenses. 

  • HSAs are typically paired with high-deductible health insurance plans. 
  • The money you put into your HSA is tax-deductible, which means you don’t have to pay taxes on it.  
  • You can use the money in your HSA to pay for things like doctor visits or prescriptions. And if you don’t use all the money in your HSA, it rolls over to the next year, so you can save it for future medical expenses. 

EXAMPLE: Maria chooses a high-deductible health plan with an HSA. She contributes $200 each month to her HSA, totaling $2,400 annually. Over the year, she doesn’t need much medical care, so she rolls over her savings to the next year. In the following year, she uses her HSA funds to cover the cost of a new treatment not covered by her insurance, demonstrating how HSAs can help build a financial cushion for future health care needs. 

Accessing Care

Primary Care Physician (PCP) 

Your PCP is the doctor you go to for regular check-ups and general health care needs. 

  • The PCP is typically a family doctor, internist, or pediatrician, depending on the age and specific needs of the patient.  
  • Your PCP is responsible for taking care of your overall health, managing any ongoing health problems you might have, and referring you to specialists when necessary. 

EXAMPLE: Alex visits his PCP, Dr. Smith, for regular check-ups and general health concerns. When Alex starts experiencing persistent knee pain, Dr. Smith refers him to an orthopedic specialist who provides targeted treatment, while Dr. Smith continues to oversee Alex’s overall health and recovery. 

Specialist

A specialist is a health care provider who has advanced training and expertise in a specific area of medicine.  

  • Examples of specialists include cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and psychiatrists.  
  • Patients are typically referred to a specialist by their primary care physician when specialized knowledge or treatment is required for a particular health concern. 

EXAMPLE: Emma has been diagnosed with diabetes. Her PCP refers her to an endocrinologist, Dr. Lee who specializes in diabetes management. With Dr. Lee’s expertise, Emma receives personalized treatment plans and advice on managing her condition effectively.

Health Care Systems 

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) 

An HMO is a type of plan where you must choose a primary care doctor and get a referral from them to see a specialist. This can be a cost-effective option for those who prefer a more coordinated approach to their health care. 

EXAMPLE: David enrolls in an HMO plan and selects a primary care physician. When he needs to see a cardiologist for a heart condition, he first visits his PCP, who provides a referral to the cardiologist within the HMO network. This coordinated care model helps David manage his heart condition with a streamlined approach and potentially lower costs. 

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

A PPO is a type of plan that gives you more flexibility in choosing your doctors. You can see doctors both inside and outside of the plan’s network, and you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. If you choose an in-network provider, your insurance will typically cover more of the cost, keeping your out-of-pocket costs low. Choosing out-of-network providers may have higher out-of-pocket expenses for you. A PPO is a good option if you want more freedom to choose your health care providers. 

EXAMPLE: Lisa has a PPO plan, which allows her to see any doctor she chooses without needing a referral. She wants to see a dermatologist and begins researching providers both inside and outside of her plan’s network. She finds one outside of her network with great reviews that she wants to see. Although she may pay a higher percentage of the cost for out-of-network care, the flexibility of the PPO plan lets her choose the best specialist for her needs. 

Simplifying Health Insurance: Understanding Documents

Health care documents contain a vast amount of information, from medical records to billing statements, and can often be overwhelming or confusing to understand. That’s why we’re breaking down these common health care documents to help you understand what they mean. 

EOC: Explanation of Coverage

An EOC is a document provided by an insurance company that outlines the details of your health insurance plan. Inside the EOC, you’ll find lots of helpful information such as: 

What your insurance covers and doesn’t cover. 

The EOC will tell you what your insurance will cover, like doctor visits, hospital stays, or medicine. It will also tell you if there are any things your insurance won’t cover, called exclusions. For example, maybe your insurance won’t pay for cosmetic procedures. 

How to use your insurance. 

It will explain how to make appointments with doctors, how to get medicine from the pharmacy, and how to file a claim if you need to get money back from your insurance. It might also have some extra rules and conditions that you need to know about. 

How much you might have to pay when you use your insurance. 

The EOC includes information on cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Read this blog for definitions of these terms.  

EXAMPLE: The EOC details your plan’s deductible of $1,000, a copay of $20 for office visits, and 20% coinsurance for hospital services. Knowing these costs helps you budget for health care expenses and understand your financial responsibilities. 

Your rights and responsibilities under their health insurance coverage. 

It helps you know what you’re entitled to, like being able to choose your own doctor, and what you need to do to keep your coverage in good standing, providing accurate information to your insurance company. 

EOB: Explanation of Benefits

An EOB is a document provided by an insurance company to you or your health care provider that explains how a claim for health care services was processed and paid. 

The EOB typically includes details such as: 

  • The date of service 
  • The health care provider’s charges 
  • The amount covered by insurance 
  • Any deductible or copayment amounts
  • The portion of the claim that you may be responsible for paying 

The EOB is like a receipt. It’s important to read your EOB carefully to make sure everything looks right and to understand what you might owe. That way, you can keep track of your health care expenses and make sure everything is handled correctly. 

EXAMPLE: After a visit to a specialist, your EOB shows that the specialist billed $300, your insurance covered $240, and you owe a $60 balance. This total includes any copayments or coinsurance you need to cover. 

SBC: Summary of Benefits and Coverage

The SBC is like a cheat sheet that gives you a quick overview of a health insurance plan so you can understand your options, compare plans, and select the plan that best fits your needs and budget. 

The SBC includes information about deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums, and coverage for common medical services. It also highlights any limitations or exclusions that may apply.  

Formulary

A formulary is a list of prescription drugs that are covered by a specific health insurance plan.  

  • The formulary categorizes medications into different tiers, which determine the level of coverage and cost-sharing for each drug.  
  • Formularies are designed to promote cost-effective and evidence-based medication choices, and they may include both generic and brand-name drugs. 
  • How do you use a formulary? You can consult your plan’s formulary to determine which medications are covered by your insurance and at what cost. 

EXAMPLE: The formulary lists generic medications in Tier 1, which have the lowest cost-sharing, while brand-name drugs are in Tier 2 or 3 with higher costs. If you need a specific medication, you can use the formulary to determine its tier and expected costs, helping you make informed decisions about your prescriptions. 

Simplifying Health Insurance: Common Terms 

Navigating the world of health care can be complex, especially when faced with unfamiliar terms. If you find yourself wondering where to start or how these terms apply to you, begin by gaining a clear understanding of health insurance terminology. This will help you make informed decisions about your health care and ensure you are well-prepared for any medical expenses that may arise. 

Claim

A request for payment submitted by a health care provider to an insurance company or third-party payer for services given to a patient.  

  • It includes information like the patient’s diagnosis, treatment provided, and the cost of the services.  
  • The insurance company reviews the claim and determines the amount they will reimburse the provider for the services. 

EXAMPLE: After receiving treatment for a broken arm, the health care provider submits a claim to the insurance company. The claim includes details such as the diagnosis, the treatment provided (such as X-rays and a cast), and the cost of the services. The insurance company reviews the claim and determines the amount they will reimburse the provider for the services. 

Deductible

The amount of money an individual or family must pay out of pocket for health care services before their insurance coverage begins. 

EXAMPLE: If you have a health insurance plan with a $500 deductible, you will need to pay the first $500 of your health care expenses out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. Once you meet the deductible, your insurance will start covering a portion or all of the eligible expenses, depending on your plan. 

Coinsurance

A cost-sharing arrangement in health care where the insured individual is responsible for paying a percentage of the covered medical expenses, typically after meeting their deductible.  

  • The remaining percentage is paid by the insurance company. It is a way to distribute the financial burden between the individual and the insurer. 

EXAMPLE: Let’s say you have a health insurance plan with a 20% coinsurance rate. After meeting your deductible, if you receive a covered medical service that costs $100, you would be responsible for paying $20 (20% of the cost), while the insurance company would cover the remaining $80.

Copay

A copay (also called a copayment) is a fixed amount of money that an individual is required to pay out-of-pocket for a specific health care service or medication, typically at the time of service.  

  • It is a form of cost-sharing between the individual and their insurance provider. 

EXAMPLE: When you visit your primary care physician for a routine check-up, you may be required to pay a copay of $25 at the time of the appointment. This fixed amount is a form of cost-sharing between you and your insurance provider. Read more about Cost Share in the next section. 

Cost Share

Cost-sharing refers to the division of health care expenses between the individual and their insurance provider.  

  • It includes various out-of-pocket costs not covered by your health plan – such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.  
  • Cost-sharing helps distribute the financial responsibility for health care services and medications between the individual and the insurer.  

EXAMPLE: Suppose you have a health plan with a $1,000 deductible, a 20% coinsurance rate, and a $30 copay for doctor visits. If you undergo a medical procedure that costs $2,000, you will first pay the $1,000 deductible out of pocket. After that, you would be responsible for 20% of the remaining $1,000 (coinsurance), which amounts to $200. Additionally, if you have a follow-up visit with a copay, you will pay the predetermined $30. These various out-of-pocket costs make up the cost-sharing between you and your insurance provider.

Medical Out‐of‐Pocket Maximum

The maximum amount an individual or family must pay for covered medical expenses each year, after which the insurance company covers 100% of the costs. 

EXAMPLE: Let’s say you have a health insurance plan with a Medical Out-of-Pocket Maximum of $5,000. Throughout the year, you will be responsible for paying your deductible, copays, and coinsurance for covered medical services. As you pay these expenses, they will add up towards your out-of-pocket maximum. Once your total out-of-pocket expenses hit $5,000, your health insurance plan will take over and cover all eligible medical expenses. This means you will no longer have to pay any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for the remainder of the coverage period.

RX Out‐of‐Pocket Maximum

The maximum amount an individual or family must pay for prescription drugs each year, after which the insurance company covers 100% of the costs. 

EXAMPLE: Let’s say your health insurance plan has an RX out-of-pocket maximum of $1,500. Throughout the year, you pay for prescription drugs. Once your out-of-pocket expenses reach $1,500, the insurance company covers 100% of the costs for the rest of the year. 

Premium

A premium is the amount of money an individual or entity pays to an insurance company for insurance coverage.  

  • It is typically paid in regular installments – usually monthly or annually. It’s common for individuals to receive health insurance through their employer. In this case, the premium amount is typically deducted from their paycheck before they receive their net pay. This is known as a payroll deduction.
  • The premium amount is determined by various factors, including the type of insurance coverage, the level of coverage, the individual’s age and health status, and other risk factors.  
  • Paying the premium ensures that the insurance policy remains active and provides the agreed-upon benefits and coverage. 

EXAMPLE: You have health insurance coverage through your employer and the monthly premium for your plan is $200. Your employer offers a payroll deduction option. Therefore, your employer would deduct $200 from your gross salary each paycheck before you receive your net pay. 

Health Network

A health network is a broad organization consisting of multiple facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers. These facilities are often located in different geographic areas and may be owned by different entities. A health network provides coordinated and integrated care to patients across various settings. Health networks often have a central administration that oversees the operations of all the facilities within the network.

Medical Group

A team of health care providers who collaborate to deliver comprehensive care, sharing resources and facilities for integrated services. These physicians may specialize in different areas, such as primary care, pediatrics, or cardiology. Medical groups can be independent or affiliated with a hospital or health network.