Tools & Resources

We know that health insurance can be a difficult topic to understand. So we've gathered the information needed to answer your questions and provide you with a one-stop-shop for resources and information to answer your FirstCare-related and general health care questions.

You've got questions, and we've got answers. We're here to help.

  • Already a FirstCare member? Visit the Member Resources page for details specific to FirstCare plans, including information on the self-service portal, wellness and more!

Click on any of the topics below for more details:

How Does Health Insurance Work?

This quick video, courtesy of Kaiser Permanente, explains health insurance using easy-to-understand terminology. It breaks down important insurance concepts, such as premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and how to pay for coverage and obtain medical care and prescription drugs when enrolled in various types of health insurance, including HMOs and PPOs.

Health Insurance Explained – The YouToons Have It Covered,” The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, accessed 02/25/2015, http://kff.org/health-reform/video/health-insurance-explained-youtoons/

Where Does Your Health Care Dollar Go?

Health care costs are too high for too many. Your premium (i.e., how much you pay for your health insurance each month) covers the costs that FirstCare absorbs to provide your insurance coverage as well as the medical care you might receive—everything from prescription drugs and doctors’ visits to hospital stays and customer service. Here is a breakdown of where your premium dollar really goes:

Where Does Your Health Care Dollar Go?

This data represents how commercial health plans spend your premiums. This data includes employer-provided coverage as well as coverage you purchase on your own. Data reflects averages for the 2016-18 benefit years. Percentages do not add up to 100% due to rounding. Content and Design AHIP—All Rights Reserved: © AHIP 2021.

What is a Provider Network?

Here’s another video, courtesy of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), showing you how your provider network helps you maximize your health plan benefits while minimizing the effect on your wallet.

“So What is a Provider Network?” America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), accessed 09/07/2017, youtu.be.com/hteE1Amfes0

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

In this video, also courtesy of AHIP, see what goes into selecting a health plan that’s right for you/your family.

How Do You Pick an Insurance Plan,” America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), accessed 06/28/2017, youtu.be/Mx-i21gHlCU

What Does It Mean?—A Health Insurance Glossary

Health insurance terms and phrases can be confusing, so we've compiled a list to help you.

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Emergency vs. Urgent Care

A trip to the ER can be costly & time consuming. Follow these guidelines to help determine when a condition is serious enough to go to the ER versus visiting an Urgent Care center.

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Need care advice? Should you see a doctor? Get the info you need today! FirstCare members can talk to a nurse 24/7 by calling 1-877-505-7947 (TTY 711) to get answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
STAR and CHIP Members call 1-855-828-1013 (TTY 711).



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