Glossary

A health care program for active duty and retired uniformed services members and their families.

A health care provider or facility that is paid by a health plan to give service to plan members.

A health information technology industry association.

A health plan sponsored by two or more employers. These are generally plans that are offered through membership in an association or a trade group.

A health plan that contracts with group practices of doctors to give services in one or more places.

A health plan that provides health coverage to employees, former employees, and their families, and is supported by an employer or employee organization.

A health plan's decision on whether to pay all or part of a bill, or to give medical services, after you file an appeal. If the decision is not in your favor, the plan must give you a written notice. This notice must give a reason for the denial and a description of steps in the appeals process. (See Appeals Process.)

A health plan, such as a Medicare managed care plan or Private Fee-for-Service plan offered by a private company and approved by Medicare. An alternative to the Original Medicare Plan.

A health problem caused by the lack (or too much) of needed nutrients.

A health problem you had before the date that a new insurance policy starts.