A "National Health Board" would medicalbenefits identify a uniform minimal benefit package, certify plans that offer tax-deductible coverage through "accountable health plans" (AHPs), develop standards and guidelines for "health plan purchasing cooperatives" (HPPCs)--more recently termed "Health Alliances"--and establish a national health outcomes database essential for effective competition between AHPs. Within today''s health care system, a wide range of models medicalbenefits exist and are frequently only referred to by acronym. This "alphabet soup" adds to the confusion and frustrations consumers encounter when attempting to "wade through" the health care system. A brief medicalbenefits list of commonly used terms or acronyms and their meanings follows.HMO (health maintenance organization)--A health plan that contracts with providers for prepaid, comprehensive care for its members. Members are required to obtain care from providers within the HMO. Different models for HMOs include the group model, the IPA model, the network model, and the staff modelPPO (preferred provider organization)--A health plan that allows members to freely choose providers, but the insurance builds in financial incentives for members to select providers within a specific system or group FFS (fee for service)--A traditional system in which the insurer pays for services after medicalbenefits they are received, based upon the provider''s fee schedule. Consumers have the freedom to seek care without prior approval from any provider, including specialists.

There are certain situations however, where you may have the right to get a Medigap policy after your open enrollment period. In these cases, the medicalbenefits insurance company can not deny you coverage, or change the price of a policy because of past or present health problems. To find out if these rights apply to your situation, call. You can also order a pamphlet called Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) Policies and Protections With any medicalbenefits supplemental plan you will pay a premium, usually monthly. In addition, there are often other payments you must make. These payments will vary by plan but essentially are deductibles and copayments. Most plans require the first monthy''s payment accompany your application.

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