When a doctor recommends a medical procedure, diagnostic test, prescription drug, imaging study, specialist service, or other treatment, many patients assume the next step is simply scheduling the service. Sometimes it is. Other times, the insurance company requires prior authorization before it agrees to cover the treatment. Prior authorization—also called preauthorization, precertification, or preapproval—is one…

Telehealth has changed the way millions of patients access healthcare. A consultation that once required driving to a clinic, sitting in a waiting room, and spending time away from work can now take place through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. But there is an important question that often gets overlooked: Does health insurance actually cover…

Choosing a health insurance plan based only on the monthly premium can be one of the most expensive mistakes a consumer makes. Two plans can have similar premiums but produce dramatically different annual healthcare costs. One may expose you to a large deductible before meaningful coverage begins. Another may charge a higher monthly premium but…