When you have medical, dental, or vision insurance, you may need to choose what’s called a “network” of healthcare providers. Insurance companies create networks, which are groups of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers you can visit. Networks range from “skinny” or narrow networks with fewer providers and lower costs, to “open access” networks with more providers but higher costs. When deciding which network to choose, think about whether you’re willing to pay more for more options or if you’re okay with fewer options to save money. If you prefer flexibility, an open access network might be best, but if you don’t use healthcare often, a smaller network might work just fine.