While provider participation in managed care remains optional, managed care is now an integral part of US healthcare. Hearing care as a supplemental benefit will continue to grow in private and public health plans. Author Carrie Meyer, AuD, says it is critical that audiologists and hearing aid specialists understand the dynamics of managed care and become well informed to make the best decisions for their practices and their patients in this rapidly changing healthcare environment. Part 1 of this 3-part series is a primer on health insurance and managed care.