The private group plans (or fully insured plans) purchased from insurance carriers by employers as a benefit for employees are overseen by the commission or department of insurance in each state. You can find your state's insurance department in the blue pages of your local phone book, or visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on the Web at: http://naic.org/state_web_map.htm (or see "Additional resources" section for a phone number to call).

Self-funded plans (or self-insured plans) that employers or unions create rather than purchase are run by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration. You may have to ask your employer if their health plan is fully insured or self-insured.

Managed care plans are regulated by several state and federal agencies. Your state insurance commission or department of insurance can give you specific information for an individual plan.

Medicaid is controlled by your state health department

Medicare is run by the U.S. Social Security Administration.

TRICARE is overseen by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Veteran's Health Care system (including CHAMPVA) is regulated by the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.

Back to Children Diagnosed with Cancer: Financial and Insurance Issues

Last Medical Review: 04/01/2009
Last Revised: 04/01/2009