Picking A Good Health Insurance Plan Can Be Confusing. Here's What To Keep In Mind
HMO, PPO, FSA - oh my god!
It's open enrollment season, and it's time to sign up for health insurance for the upcoming calendar year. But between the host of alphabet acronyms and all the giant spreadsheets, it can be hard to decide which plan to choose.
While we know this activity isn't as exciting as stocking a scary or whole pumpkin, it's important to your health (and will serve you much better than a polyester Halloween costume).
The good news: The Life Kit has expert tips to help eliminate the fear of the process. Here is a cheat sheet to consider when making your decision.
Read the plan benefits summary
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6 tips to get the most out of your health insurance plan
6 tips to get the most out of your health insurance plan
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Florida consumer insurance attorney Tasha Carter says the first step is to find out what's included in your health insurance plan. "Many consumers lose health insurance benefits because they don't know it exists, or worse, because they're paying out of their own pocket for expenses that might have been covered."
So, even if you've had the same plan for years, take a few minutes to review the most recent summary of benefits for your plan. Health insurance companies must provide a summary of benefits and coverage written in plain language. If you didn't receive it in the mail before the start of the year, go to your health insurance website or call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask for it.
“Insurance companies often make performance changes, so you want to make sure you understand what those changes are and how they can affect you” and your health, Carter says. Listen to our episode on Maximizing Your Health Insurance here .
Get your medical needs from a doctor you trust
This can determine what type of health insurance you need next year . “Having someone to follow you, preferably for years, is very valuable in helping you make decisions” about your health care, and therefore your insurance plan, says pediatrician Nicole Rochester.
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6 ways to get the best from your doctor
And make sure your preferred primary care physician and prescription medications are still covered by your insurance , says Aaron Dillow, former director of community health initiatives at the nonprofit. Otherwise, he says, “get out” and “find a plan to cover them.”
Demystifying health insurance terminology
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Applying for health insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here is a useful glossary
Applying for health insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here is a useful glossary
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Learn what common health insurance terms like "CHIP," "cost sharing," and "deductible" mean. This will help you better understand what joining a plan can mean for your budget and health. Read our helpful glossary here .
Take advantage of gifts...
Carter, a consumer insurance attorney, says that even if you have a basic plan with high deductibles , your coverage should include tests and other preventative measures . This includes checking for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. To get an idea of what you need in the coming months, take a look at this List of recommended tests by age Compiled by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
...and benefits
Another benefit of reading your insurance coverage plan carefully? You can find useful benefits . For example, your insurance company may offer discounts on memberships at a local gym or services that improve your quality of life, such as LASIK surgery or massage therapy.
Digital date formatted by Queen Grape. We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email us at LifeKit@npr.org .
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