What is a narrow network?
When you’re shopping for a health plan, you have a broad range of options. While you should certainly compare premiums, copays, deductibles and coinsurance, there is another important factor to consider: the network.
One strategy for saving on your monthly premium is to consider a health plan with a narrow network. A narrow network offers lower monthly premiums by limiting coverage to a select group of health care providers.
What is a narrow network?
Narrow network health plans are similar to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) because they limit coverage to a select group of doctors, specialists and hospitals. These health plans work with participating providers to set lower rates, and those savings are passed on to you.
But there’s more to narrow networks than lower costs. Because narrow network health plans are selective in the number of providers who participate, they are often considered value-based. This means participating providers have proven they have higher measured quality and better outcomes for patients, so you can feel confident in the quality of care you’ll receive.
When to consider a narrow network health plan
A narrow network health plan might be right for you if you live in the service area of your preferred providers and hospitals, so more of those providers will be in-network.
Before choosing a plan with a narrow network, consider these points:
- Be aware that you are choosing a plan with a limited network, so you don’t have surprises down the road.
- Understand that a narrow network typically doesn't offer benefits for medical services received outside of the network, except in the case of an emergency.
- Review the provider directory to ensure your physicians, specialists and hospitals are in-network.
Get a quote for a narrow network health plan in Iowa
Wellmark’s online shopping tool makes it fast and easy to find a plan and get a quote. Try it for yourself — request your personalized narrow network health plan quote today.
The truth about narrow networks
A narrow network prioritizes preventive care and strong relationships with your primary care provider, so you can expect to save on your premium without compromising on quality of care.
A common misconception about a narrow network is that it is restrictive. One of the most common concerns members have is not being able to access a health care specialist when they need one.
It's important to know that narrow network plans don’t eliminate entire specialties of care. Instead, there are certain providers you can select for your specialty care. Plus, emergency care is always covered, even when you’re out of the service area.
Narrow network plans in Iowa: Wellmark Blue HMO | UnityPoint Health
Wellmark and UnityPoint Health have joined to offer a variety of value-based health plans for individuals and families in Iowa who purchase health insurance on their own.
These plans are available in select counties in Iowa. To enroll, you must be a resident of Iowa and live in the Wellmark Blue HMO | UnityPoint Health network service area.
You'll get affordable plans with lower, predictable copays, especially for primary care visits with your main UnityPoint Health doctor and Tier 1 prescription drugs.
Plus, at no additional cost, you can connect face-to-face with a health care provider using a smartphone, tablet or computer, through the UnityPoint virtual platform.
If you know your preferred providers are in-network and you are looking for high-quality, low-premium health care, a narrow network plan may be right for you.
Wellmark is here to help
If you still have questions about narrow networks, a licensed agent can answer your questions, help you decide if a narrow network plan is right for you and just help you feel more confident selecting a health plan.