What does in-network mean for insurance? How does it lower your costs?
Insurance companies want their members to get the best possible care at the best possible price.

Insurance companies make special price arrangements with these selected providers, who agree to be on a unique provider list. That list is part of your insurance plan, called a network. When you visit in-network providers, you receive services at a discounted price.

Most often, insurance plans cover more of the cost when you see in-network providers. So your copay, coinsurance or deductible – the amount you’re responsible for paying when you get care – is usually lower. Those are additional savings you get on top of the reduced cost offered by in-network providers.

There are times when insurance plans close their networks and no longer accept new providers. Additionally, some plans negotiate pricing that providers are unable to work with do to related internal costs of doing business and therefore a contract arrangement can’t be agreed upon.

In-network vs. out-of-network insurance
So what happens if you get care outside of your network? First and foremost, you may not receive the discounted rates that you get as part of your plan. And the parts of your plan that help control your costs, such as coinsurance, copays and deductibles, may not work the same – or at all.

Certain types of plans don’t cover any of the costs associated with an out-of-network visit. Other plans may still cover part of the visit cost, but then you may be responsible for paying a larger portion of the remainder.

How do I find a doctor who is in my network and takes my insurance?
These are your best options for how to check if your doctor is in-network:

Sign in to your insurance company website for an updated network list to search for covered doctors or
Call your insurance company using the member services line, which you can usually find on the back of your insurance card.

Keep an eye on the list – provider networks can change
Insurance companies routinely review their networks – providers may be added or removed from the list.

Before you schedule an appointment, check to see if your doctor is in your network to avoid surprise bills.