Health Insurance “Hacks”

Health Insurance Guides • Updated Nov 5 • Written by Robert Adams

Health Insurance “Hacks” — Real Tips That Actually Save Time & Money

Fast take:

Skip the gimmicks. Use telehealth for routine issues, choose the right site of care (Urgent Care vs ER), stay in-network to avoid surprise bills, and—if you’re generally healthy—ask about private, medically underwritten PPO options that can drop premiums. When in doubt, have us review your plan and show a side-by-side comparison.

Use Telehealth First

• • Most plans include telehealth/telemedicine with low or $0 copay for common ailments.
• • Typical visit: ~15 minutes by video/phone—no waiting room.
• • Great for colds, rashes, UTI screens, refills, minor issues.

Pick the Right Site of Care

• • Non-emergencies → Primary Care or Urgent Care (faster, lower copays).
• • True emergencies → ER. Otherwise, ER = big bill + deductibles.
• • Ask your plan for preferred Urgent Care centers near you.

Stay In-Network

• • HMO/EPO: out-of-network = not covered (except emergencies).
• • PPO: out-of-network allowed, but you’ll pay more.
• • Call us—our team will verify your providers are in-network.

If Healthy? Consider Private PPO

• • Medically underwritten PPOs can offer lower premiums for healthy applicants.
• • Often no referrals; broader access for specialists/hospitals.
• • Not for everyone—get a side-by-side with Marketplace plans.

Quick decision guide

Choose Telehealth if…

It’s routine/minor, you want fast care, and your plan shows $0–low copay visits.

Choose Urgent Care if…

It’s same-day non-emergency (stitches, x-rays, infections) and you want to avoid ER costs.

Call us if…

You’re unsure about networks, copays, deductibles, or whether a private PPO could save money.

Want us to check your “hacks” against your actual plan?

We’ll verify your doctors, map Urgent Care options, and compare Marketplace vs. Private PPO side-by-side.

Get Free Quotes Book a Call

Quick FAQs

Is telehealth really covered?

Most modern plans include it; many charge $0–low copays. We’ll check your specific policy.

How do I confirm a doctor is in-network?

Send us the doctor’s name and location—we’ll verify against your plan’s current network file.

Who should consider private PPO?

Applicants in good health who want broader access and potentially lower premiums. Not everyone qualifies—we’ll show a clean comparison.

Robert Adams

RKA Insurance Advisors • Private & Marketplace Health Coverage • 561-806-9913 • robert@rkainsuranceadvisors.com