Insurance Terms to Know

For Complete List: Healthcare.gov/glossary

Allowable Fee/Allowable Amount means the maximum amount on which payment is based for covered health services for both In-Network and Out-of-Network Providers.

Ancillary Charge (in relation to the pharmacy) means a charge which the Covered Person is required to pay to a Preferred Pharmacy for a covered Brand-Name Prescription Drug Product for which a Generic substitute is available. The Ancillary Charge is determined by subtracting the contracted price of the Generic drug from the contracted price of the Brand-Name drug. Any Copayment amounts are in addition to the Ancillary Charge.

Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you spend this amount on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, your health plan pays 100% of the costs of Covered Benefits. The Out-of-Pocket limit doesn’t include your monthly premiums.

The Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum includes the following:

1. Plan Year Deductible

2. Copayments; and

3. Coinsurance

Family Limit for the Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The Family Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum is reached when two or more Family members, who are insured under this Policy, have incurred and paid deductibles, copays, and coinsurance equal to the amount listed in the Schedule of Benefits for that specific plan. When the total out-of-pocket expense is reached within the Plan Year of the effective policy, We then will pay 100% of Covered Medical Expenses incurred by all Family members for the remainder of the Plan Year. The total of out-of-pocket medical expenses returns to zero at the end of the plan year, and the accumulation would begin again for the new plan year.

Coinsurance means a percentage amount a member is responsible to pay out-of-pocket for health care services after satisfaction of the applicable deductibles or copayments, or both. The Coinsurance is applied to the Allowable Fee for Covered Medical Expenses incurred for Covered Benefits. The Coinsurance amount is shown in the Schedule of Benefits and applies to the Out-of-Pocket Maximum. No further co-insurance is assessed when the Out-of-Pocket Maximum is met.

Copay or Copayment means a fixed dollar amount the Covered Person is required to pay for specifically listed Covered Benefits as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. Copayments are generally paid to the Provider at the time of service. Copayments apply towards the satisfaction of the Out-of-Pocket Maximum.

Covered Benefits means all Medically Necessary services, supplies, medications and devices covered under this Policy as provided under Section 5, Covered Benefits. Covered Benefits are payable as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

Covered Dependent means Your spouse or domestic partner, and any of Your dependent children (as defined in this Policy) who are insured under this Policy. A Covered Dependent must be listed as Your Dependent in Your Application for this Policy and approved by Us. The required premium for the Covered Dependent’s coverage under this Policy must be paid.

Covered Medical Expense means expenses incurred for Medically Necessary Covered Benefits that are based on the Allowable Fee and:

1. Covered under this Policy;

2. Provided to the Covered Person by and/or prescribed by a Covered Provider for the diagnosis or treatment of an active Illness or Injury or maternity care.

The Covered Person must be charged for such services, supplies, and medications. Covered Person means the Policy-owner and/or the Policy-owner’s Covered Dependents.

Deductible means the amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself. After you pay your deductible, you usually pay only a copayment or coinsurance for covered services.

The Deductible is shown in the Schedule of Benefits. The following do not apply towards satisfaction of the Deducible:

1) Services, treatments or supplies that are not covered under this Policy;

2) Co-pay amounts paid by the Insured;

3) The premium payments paid by the Insured; and

4) Amounts billed by Out-of-Network provider above the Allowable Fee.

Family Deductible: The Family Deductible is an aggregate Deductible as is shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

The Family Deductible must be satisfied by two of more family members, who are insured under this Policy, during the Calendar Year the policy is in force.

Once the Family deductible is met for the Calendar Year, no further payments toward the Family Deductible from Family members will be required for the remainder of that Calendar Year.

Dependent means Your: 1. Spouse or domestic partner; and 2. Dependent Child as defined in this Policy.

Dependent Child or Dependent Children means Your children who are: 1. Under age 26, regardless of their place of residence, marital status or student status; including: (a) newborn children; (b) stepchildren; (c) legally adopted children; (d)children placed for adoption with the Policy owner in accordance with applicable state or federal law;(e)foster children; and (f) children for whom You are a legal guardian substantiated by a court or administrative order; and 2. Unmarried dependent Handicap Children age 26 and over. Refer to the definition of Handicapped Child. A Dependent Child does not include a child who is enrolled for Medicare or Medicaid.

Emergency Medical Condition means a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) so that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in a condition that places the health of the individual in serious jeopardy, would result in serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part; or with respect to a pregnant woman having contractions, that there is inadequate time to safely transfer the woman to another hospital for delivery or that a transfer may pose a threat to the health or safety of the woman or the fetus.

Exchange means the Health Insurance Marketplace through which qualified consumers can compare and purchase insurance from insurance companies. The state may operate a State- based Exchange, a Federally-Facilitated Exchange, or an Exchange in partnership with the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Exchanges are required by the Affordable Care Act.

Holistic Medicine means a form of alternative and complementary medicine. Practitioners apparently receive some level of training at holistic schools or courses. Accredited and licensed Medical Doctors occasionally will practice “Holistic medicine”. This approach to treatment uses a variety of herbal, spiritual, meditative, and other “natural” remedies and does not usually incorporate standard medical therapy in treatment of disease.

Home Health Services means a professional nursing service provided to a homebound Covered Person that can only be rendered by a licensed registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) provided such nurse does not ordinarily reside in the Covered Person’s household or is not related to the Covered Person by blood or marriage.

In-Network Provider means a Covered Provider who has a participation contract in effect with Mountain Health CO-OP’s Network to provide services to Covered Persons under this Policy. The In-Network Provider’s participation contract must be in effect at the time services are provided for Covered Benefits in order for Covered Medical Expenses to be eligible for In-Network benefits.

Out-of-Network Provider means a Covered Provider who does not have a participation contract in effect with the Mountain Health CO-OP In-Network Organization to provide services to Covered Persons under this Policy. When services are provided by an Out-of-Network Provider, the services provided are Out-of-Network and an Out-of-Network Provider Differential will be applied. Covered Person will be subject to reduced benefits under the plan and will be subject to Balance Billing by the Out-of-Network Provider.

To maximize your plan’s benefits, always make sure your healthcare provider is a Mountain Health CO-OP InNetwork Provider and do not assume all services at an In-Network facility are performed by an in-network provider.

Policy Effective Date or Effective Date means the date on which this Policy becomes effective. The PolicyEffectiveDate is shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

Policyholder means the person to whom this Policy is issued and is named as the Policy-owner in the Schedule of Benefits. The Policy-owner is the owner of this Policy, which means the Policy-owner may exercise the rights set forth in this Policy. On the Policy Effective Date, the Policy owner is as designated in the application for this Policy. The Policy-owner is also referred to as “You” or “Your”.

View more at Healthcare.gov/glossary

Covid Coverage

Your health, safety and well-being are our top priority. Stay informed about COVID-19 changes to coverage.

Our standard benefit plan design has resumed effectiveness as of May 11, 2023 with the ending of the Public Health Emergency. Mountain Health Co-Op will continue covering COVID testing, vaccines, boosters and expanded Telehealth.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Who can get vaccinated?

  • Everyone 6 months of age and older is now eligible. For children 5 and under, check eligibility with vaccination location beforehand.
  • COVID-19 booster shots Everyone ages 5 and older is eligible for an updated bivalent booster.

Where do I get vaccinated? 
Visit your primary care physician about the covid vaccine and which one is right for you. Need help finding a primary care physician? Click here.

Tools and Resources

The following is a list of benefits that have temporarily been updated in order to support our members.

If you have any questions about these updated benefits, please call the customer service phone number listed on your health insurance ID card. 

The following list of benefits have been updated in response to COVID-19 and will be extended through December 31, 2023 and applies to CO-OP members with individual or group policies.

VaccinationCovered 100% under preventive benefit
Booster (when available)Covered 100% under preventive benefit
Testing ordered by a participating physicianCovered 100%
Serology (Antibody) testing ordered by a participating physicianCovered 100%
Expanded telehealth coverageSee your plan documents

All Covid Tools & Resources

Stay Informed

Tools and Resources

Important Info for Providers

COVID-19 Vaccines Payment Policy
Mountain Health CO-OP payment policy for the administration of the COVID-19 Vaccines will follow CMS recommendations to reimburse these services at the reasonable rate which CMS considers equivalent to Medicare.

COVID-19 Alerts

Fraud Alert
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to the COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus.

Fraudsters are offering COVID-19 tests in exchange for personal details, and are targeting members in a number of ways, including telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits. The personal information the fraudsters collect may be used to fraudulently bill health plans or commit medical identity theft. The following ways have been recommended for members to protect themselves from fraud:

  • Beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance numbers.
  • Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
  • Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites.
  • A physician or other trusted healthcare provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.

If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it by calling a Mountain Health Coop Customer Service Advocate at the number on your health insurance card.

How do I decide which health plan to choose?


Choosing the right health plan can be a significant decision, and it’s important to select one that meets your healthcare needs and financial considerations. Here’s a guide on how to decide which health plan to choose:

Assess Your Healthcare Needs:

  • Consider your current health status and that of your family members.
  • Think about any anticipated healthcare expenses, such as medications, doctor visits, or surgeries.

Understand Plan Types:

  • Learn about the different types of health plans available, such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Point of Service (POS) plans.

Check Provider Networks:

  • Verify that your preferred healthcare providers (doctors, specialists, hospitals) are in the network of the plans you’re considering.

Evaluate Costs:

  • Compare the costs associated with each plan, including:
  • Premiums: The monthly amount you pay for coverage.
  • Deductibles: The amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage starts.
  • Copayments: Fixed fees you pay for specific services (e.g., $20 for a doctor’s visit).
  • Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you share with the insurer after meeting the deductible.
  • Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit: The most you’ll pay for covered services in a plan year.

Consider Subsidies:

  • Check if you qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange) based on your income. Subsidies can help lower your monthly premium costs.

Review Benefits and Coverage:

  • Examine the specific benefits offered by each plan, such as prescription drug coverage, maternity care, mental health services, and preventive care.
  • Assess coverage for any specific medical conditions or treatments you anticipate needing.

Compare Plan Networks and Benefits:

  • Weigh the trade-offs between lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs versus higher premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs.
  • Consider how frequently you’ll use healthcare services and which services are most important to you.

Think About Future Needs:

  • Consider how your healthcare needs may change over the coming year, especially if you have plans for significant life events like having a baby or retiring.

Read Plan Documents:

  • Thoroughly review the plan documents, including the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), for each plan you’re considering. These documents provide clear information about what the plan covers and what it costs.

Seek Assistance:

  • If you’re unsure about your choices, consult with an insurance broker or navigator who can help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.

Make Your Choice:

  • Based on your healthcare needs, budget, and priorities, select the health plan that aligns best with your circumstances.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to health insurance. The “best” plan for you depends on your unique situation and preferences. It’s important to carefully consider your needs and compare plan details to make an informed decision about your health insurance coverage.

Choosing a level of coverage (metal tier)

Health insurance plans are categorized into four metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum. Catastrophic plans have the highest deductible with virtually no cost sharing. These tiers represent different levels of coverage and cost-sharing. Here’s how you can choose a health plan based on the metal tier:

  1. Understand the Metal Tiers:
    • Bronze: Typically has the lowest monthly premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs when you receive medical care. It covers about 60% of your healthcare costs.
    • Silver: Offers moderate monthly premiums and moderate out-of-pocket costs. It covers about 70% of your healthcare costs.
    • Gold: Generally has higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs. It covers about 80% of your healthcare costs.
    • Platinum: Has the highest monthly premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs. It covers about 90% of your healthcare costs.
  2. Assess Your Healthcare Needs:
    • Consider your health and the health of your family members. Are you generally healthy, or do you have ongoing medical needs?
    • Think about any anticipated healthcare expenses, such as medications, doctor visits, or surgeries.
    • Consider factors like the number of doctor visits you expect and any chronic conditions that require ongoing care.
  3. Evaluate Your Budget:
    • Determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on health insurance premiums each month.
    • Factor in your deductible, copayments, and coinsurance costs to estimate your potential out-of-pocket expenses.
  4. Compare Plans:
    • Use the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) or your state’s health insurance exchange to compare available plans within your metal tier.
    • Consider the monthly premium, deductible, copayments, and coinsurance for each plan.
    • Look for plans that include your preferred healthcare providers and hospitals in their network.
  5. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership:
    • Estimate your total annual healthcare expenses by considering both premiums and expected out-of-pocket costs.
    • Compare the total cost of ownership for different plans within the same metal tier.
  6. Consider Subsidies:
    • Check if you qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) based on your income. These can help reduce your monthly premium costs, making higher-tier plans more affordable.
  7. Review Benefits:
    • Examine the specific benefits offered by each plan, such as prescription drug coverage, maternity care, mental health services, and preventive care.
  8. Seek Advice:
    • Consult with a licensed insurance agent or navigator if you need assistance navigating the health insurance marketplace or understanding the details of different plans.
  9. Make Your Choice:
    • Select the health plan that best aligns with your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences within the metal tier that suits your situation.

Remember that the “best” metal tier for you depends on your unique circumstances and priorities. Balancing monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs is essential in making an informed decision about your health insurance plan.