Understanding Health Care Networks

It's important to understand which doctors and hospitals are in your health insurance plan's network. A network refers to the groups of doctors, labs, hospitals, surgery centers and others who have a contract with your health care provider to provide medical care. Some plans limit your choices or charge you more if you use providers who are out of the network.

If you are provided services from outside of your network, you may receive what is sometimes referred to as a "surprise" medical bill. This can happen if you receive care from an in-network provider but other providers, such as anesthesiologists and radiologists, are brought in who are not part of your network.

Click here to watch a short video on understanding your health care network.

How to Check Your Network

In 2009 Louisiana enacted Act 354 to provide disclosure requirements for health plans, hospitals, and physicians regarding network participation. Health insurance companies are required to provide links to their websites containing information about their networks of contracted hospitals, facilities and providers. Each health insurance company is solely responsible for maintaining the most accurate and up-to-date information on its website, as required by La. R.S. 22:1879. Consumers should contact their respective health insurance companies to verify their listings of contracted hospitals, facilities and providers.

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA

CIGNA HealthCare / Connecticut General Life Insurance Company

HMO of Louisiana, Inc.

Humana 

Office of Group Benefits

UnitedHealthcare

Vantage Health Plan, Inc.