Overview
Health insurance is a crucial aspect of human health research because it provides a mechanism for accessing medical care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. There are many different forms of health insurance available, ranging from individual policies purchased on the open market to group plans offered by employers. One commonly used type of health insurance is known as a PPO or preferred provider organization. PPOs offer patients a network of doctors and hospitals that they can use for their medical care. When patients go out of network, they typically face higher out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Another type of health insurance is known as an HMO, or health maintenance organization. HMOs are typically more tightly managed than PPOs and require patients to choose a primary care physician who acts as a gatekeeper to other medical services. Patients who go out of network with an HMO may face much higher out-of-pocket expenses than those who stay in network. There are also various options for individuals who are unable to afford traditional forms of insurance. These options may include government-sponsored programs like Medicaid, as well as private programs that offer lower-cost coverage to those who meet certain eligibility criteria. Ultimately, choosing the right health insurance plan is a key factor in ensuring access to affordable and high-quality medical care. Whether through an employer-sponsored plan or an individual policy, finding a policy that meets the unique needs and preferences is essential to long-term health and wellbeing.
Research published in this journal
3 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
How this research is being cited
The 3 articles above have been cited 22 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
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2026 · Discover Social Science and Health
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2026 · European Journal of Anaesthesiology
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2026 · Frontiers in Endocrinology
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K. Granger et al. · 2025 · JAR life
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2025 · Journal of Aging Research and Lifestyle
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2025 · Springer eBooks
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2025 · African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
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2025 · African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Health Insurances, linking to each citing work.