We received many comments and questions in response to our article eHealthInsurance - Helpful Comparison Tool, where we told you about getting health insurance quotes online.
There are so many things to compare when you are shopping for medical insurance that I thought it would be beneficial to respond to a couple of the most frequently asked questions we received.
Shopping for health insurance isn't just about the rates:

1. What should I compare besides insurance rates?
2. I received insurance quotes from eHealthInsurance but I don't know anything about the companies - what do you suggest?

Besides health insurance premiums, you should compare and evaluate the following:

• PPO or HMO - Which plan offers a better solution for you?
• Coverage - Find out what's covered under the plan and what is excluded.
  
• Provider networks - Look at the selection of physicians included in-network and out-of-network.
  Are your current physicians in-network?
• Coinsurance - What is the in-network coinsurance percentage? What is the out-of-network percentage?
• Deductibles - How do deductibles vary? What do deductibles apply to?
• Out of pocket expenses - Is there a co-pay for office visits, preventative care & prescription drugs? If so, how much?
• Plan limits - What is the maximum plan benefit amount?

Go to third party sources for health insurance company information and plan ratings:

• JD Power and Associates provides an annual report ranking health insurance plans.
  Ratings are based on overall experience, coverage and benefits, provider selection, information and communication, claim processing, statements, customer service and the approval process.
  The 2009 health plan ratings, by region, are currently available.
  It is particularly important to check the region where you reside because plans vary by region.
  For instance, if you live in Phoenix, you may take a closer look at the award recipient for your area, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
  The health plans offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield in Massachusetts, Florida and Wisconsin are also highly rated.
  For the Northwest region, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan was JD Power's award recipient for 2009.
  
• Another reliable source of information for the rankings of health insurance plans is US News and World Report.
  They conduct an annual survey and you can find the most recent results in US News and World Report - Health Insurance Plans Compared America's Best Health Plans 2008-2009.
  

Two additional health care plan resources you might want to check out are:

• The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) a private not-for-profit organization, founded in 1990 with a mission to drive improvements in the healthcare industry.
  From their website, you can view report cards to assist in your selection of a medical insurance provider.
  
• The U.
  S.
  Department of Health and Human Services offers - A Consumers Guide to Health Insurance.
  

When you visit eHealthInsurance for insurance quotes, if you are not familiar with the health insurance plans quoted, find the top rated plans in your area by visiting one of these websites.