The Changing Face of Health Insurance

Health insurance has traditionally been seen as protection against catastrophic loss caused by accidents or serious medical conditions.

Health plans have become broader. Benefits are available for everyday medical expenses...not just the "big ticket" items. This shift has caused Americans to expect their insurance to pick up most of the tab at the doctor or hospital.

As consumers are shielded from the actual costs of health care and the demand for medical services increases, so does the cost of health care. The increased costs are passed on to consumers in the form of:

• Higher premiums
• Higher deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses