7 Tips For Choosing Your Health Benefits For 2023

In a high inflation environment, you are looking for ways to change your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it's important to consider your well-being and your budget.

The annual or open enrollment season is upon us -- a time when more than 5,712,400 people in Colorado and millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to choose or change health insurance plans for the coming year.

Open enrollment is a good opportunity to review how often you use health care services and decide whether to stay with your current plan or switch to another plan that is offered. It's also an opportunity to estimate overall maintenance costs to make sure you're choosing a plan that best fits next year's budget.

Registration Hours: Open enrollment for employer-registered individuals typically runs for two weeks between September and December. Medicare members can enroll or change their coverage between October 15 and December 15. 7. Most selections made on January 1, 2023 are valid.

Here are seven tips to help you choose a health plan through Work, the Exchange Marketplace, or Medicare:

1. Consider all your options. Take the time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan to determine what is right for you. A good first step is to watch a short video refresher on health insurance jargon, including premiums, deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance and reimbursement maximums.

Medicare Members: When evaluating your options, make sure you understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you need a test, visit MedicareEducation.com - eligibility, plan options, basic costs, prescription coverage and more. Online resource with answers to questions about

2. Check your prescription benefits. Knowing how to get the most out of your prescription benefits can help you control costs. For example, look for discounts and cheaper alternatives, including generics, that may be available. You can also have your prescriptions delivered to your home at a participating network pharmacy or by mail, two more money-saving options.

Medicare members: You may be surprised to learn that original Medicare generally does not cover prescription drugs. Consider adding a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that covers prescription drugs to control your drug costs.

3. Check your mental health insurance. In addition to private psychiatric care, you have access to an extensive virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists. Some health plans also offer advocacy services to help you find the right type of insurance.

Medicare members: Some plans offer virtual mental health care with a $0 copay, including UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.

4. Don't forget the special benefits. Additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or life insurance are often available and can contribute to overall well-being.

Medicare members: You may be surprised to learn that Original Medicare doesn't cover most dental, vision, and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

5. Ask about wellness programs. Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for healthy actions, such as: B. a health checkup, exercise, or avoiding nicotine.

Medicare members: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and health programs to members at no additional cost.

6. Health care cost forecast for next year. If you are anticipating a major health event in the next year, such as surgery or the birth of a child, compare the differences in plan design for that particular situation, including expenses.

7. Consider a virtual nursing plan. If you're busy or just prefer to call your doctor from the comfort of your own home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. You can use virtual health visits, urgent care and chronic disease management.

Medicare members: Most Medicare Advantage plans offer access to virtual care on a smartphone, tablet or computer, which can be an easier and less expensive way to talk to doctors about common health issues.

For more helpful articles and videos on open enrollment, visit uhcopenenrollment.com.

Plans are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliates. For Medicare Advantage and Medicare drug plans: Medicare Advantage Organization with Medicare contract and Approved Medicare Part D Sponsor. Enrollment in these plans is subject to renewal of the plan's contract with Medicare.

Features, features and/or equipment vary by plan/region. Limitations and exclusions apply. Virtual tours may require a smartphone or other video-enabled device. Do not use in emergency situations.

Mark Neely is the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in Colorado and Wyoming. George Young is CEO of Medicare & Retirement at UnitedHealthcare in Colorado and Wyoming.

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