Three Tips For Selecting A Health Insurance Plan That Actually Meets Your Needs

Sponsored and presented by Oscar Health

The 2024 open enrollment period is officially here, which means it's time for many Americans to review their health insurance for next year. If you are looking for a new plan or want to make changes to an existing plan, now is the time to do so. With so many options, choosing the right plan can be confusing or overwhelming. The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way.

Here we give you 3 tips to guide you in choosing the plan that best suits your needs.

1. Decide who should be in your program

Research your family and decide who (if anyone) should be included in your plan. Pro tip: If you add more people to your plan, you'll need more coverage overall, so keep that in mind when setting your budget.

2. Think about your specific needs

Think about all your activities and medical expenses for the past year. What can you expect in 2024?

There are several plan levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum), each depending on the price and level of coverage. If you find you need more attention, it might be worth looking into a gold or platinum plan. If you're generally healthy and don't have a regular prescription, bronze or silver may be the way to go.

3. List what you must have

Are there any doctors, medical facilities, or medications you want to save for next year? Before you sign up, make a list and see if you qualify for the online program.

There are many pleasant surprises in life. finding out your favorite doctor is out of network is usually not one of them.

Something else to consider.

Depending on your household income, you may be eligible for a subsidy. If you do, tax credits will be applied to your premium to make your coverage more affordable. One last tip. some programs offer benefits and incentives (think rewards or credits for taking care of your health). If you're stuck between two similar plans, this might help you decide.

Where do I sign?

Now that you have all the information you need to guide you through the selection process, where do you go from here? Visit Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange to explore available plan options.

If you're looking for a flexible plan in mind, Oscar may be ideal for your healthcare needs in 2024.[1] We believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. That's why we offer special services and discounts to our members.

A team that supports you

You will be supported by a care team (a team of care guides and a nurse) whose sole job is to help you get the most out of your plan. You can find doctors, coordinate appointments, understand bills, and more.

$3 recipe [2] ( yes, of course)
We talked to doctors and members about how to lower the cost of commonly prescribed drugs so you can easily get what you need.

Talk to a doctor 24/7 for $0

Call or text a doctor within 30 minutes with virtual emergency.[3] Get a test, new prescription or refill without going to the doctor.

When we say we will share our program with our members, we mean it. If you need help with a chronic condition like diabetes, we've got you covered with our diabetes care plan, including fully covered labs and diabetic eye and foot exams. You can get up to $10 worth of healthy groceries with Instacart. If English is not your native language, we offer translation services in 170 languages. We also offer a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind program in Spanish that ensures you have a fully authentic healthcare experience and connects you with a provider and care team who understand your language and cultural needs.

This year's open enrollment runs from November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 in most states and some state markets. Sign up for the program today at healthcare.gov or hioscar.com.

---

[1] Oscar's health insurance is provided by Oscar Insurance Company in New York, New York. All plan management services provided by Oscar Management Corporation. HMO products are offered by Oskar Insurance Corporation and Oskar Buckeye State Insurance Corporation in Ohio, Georgia through Oskar Health Plan of Georgia. All insurance policies and benefit plans include exclusions and limitations. For full details of availability, costs and coverage, contact an authorized Oscar agent or sales representative.

[2] $3 prescriptions include up to a 30-day supply and are not available in New York, New Jersey, California, accident plans, or small group plans.

[3] Oscar's Virtual Emergency offers are not available in US states or internationally. You are not eligible for $0 visits if you have an HSA compatible high deductible health plan or SAFE plan. Prescriptions, visits, and services may be limited at the provider's discretion.

More from CBS News

The Ultimate Guide to Health Insurance | The last video you need before you buy.