In terms of patient access, what is considered 'self-insured'?

In the context of patient access and insurance terminology, 'self-insured' refers specifically to plans where the costs are covered directly by the employer rather than through traditional insurance. This means that the employer takes on the financial risk of providing health benefits to their employees and pays for medical claims from their own funds.

This approach can be beneficial for employers in that it allows them more control over their healthcare spending and the ability to customize their benefits to fit the specific needs of their workforce. It also often eliminates the need for a commercial insurance provider, which can lead to cost savings.

The other options focus on different models of insurance, such as individual purchases or government-funded plans, none of which encapsulate the self-insured concept, which is grounded in employer-funded health benefits directly from the entity rather than through an external insurance company.