There are four levels of plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace which are also known as metal categories. These include bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. These categories have nothing to do with the quality of care. Even catastrophic plans are available for some people. This plan is for people who are 30 years old or who have certain exemptions. For each category, you will have to pay a different percentage of total yearly costs of your care, and the balance will be paid by your insurance company. Total costs include deductibles, premiums, and out of pocket costs like coinsurance, copayments, etc. Each category includes several types of provider networks and plans like preferred provider organizations (PPOs), health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and more. Know how the cost is split between you and your insurance company- This data is an estimated average of a typical population. Your costs may vary based on various factors. For the bronze metal category, 60% is paid by the insurance company and 40% is paid by you. While, in the silver metal category, 70% is paid by the insurance company and 30% is paid by you. 80% is paid by the insurance company and 20% is paid by you in the gold metal category.

Gone are the days when same-sex married couples had to face difficulties since the various government policies weren’t ruled in their favor. However, the decision issued by the US Supreme Court on June 26, 2015 asserted that same-sex couples had the same constitutional right to marry in all states and their marriage will be recognized by other states as well. So, irrespective of which state the same-sex couple belongs to, they are entitled to the same rights as opposite-sex couples where government benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are concerned. Moreover, this landmark ruling by the supreme court ensures that insurance companies do not discriminate against same-sex married couples on any grounds. The insurance company cannot differentiate between such couples as long as they are married in a jurisdiction with a legal authority to authorize their marriage. This means that the insurance company has to provide coverage to the same-sex married couples irrespective of where the couple lives or where the insurance company is located and whether the plan is sold, issued, renewed, or is in effect. However, it is imperative that you know that Medicare covers people individually. Thus, it is essential that you and your spouse must meet Medicare eligibility requirements in order to avail of Medicare benefits.

A urologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. They also treat diseases affecting the male reproductive system and adrenal glands. If one is recently diagnosed with a condition related to the urinary system, or is relocating, or wants to change one’s current urologist, here are some tips that can help a person find the right urologist. Know about the certifications and licenses for a urologist It takes 15 years to become an American Board of Urology-certified urologist. They need to complete the following to get a board certification: A bachelor’s degree A four-year D.O or M.D medical degree A 4 or 5-year residency program under the supervision of a licensed urologist, with a 1-year residency for general surgery Licensing and certification from the American Board of Urology or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery Optional fellowship training in a sub-specialty of urology Board certification implies that the urologists have completed a rigorous accreditation program and now have the qualification, experience, and expertise to deal with problems and conditions that affect the urinary tract. Know the type of urologist needed A general urologist treats common and general illnesses that may affect the urinary system.