How To Choose a Health Plan During Open Enrollment
By Kelly Montgomery, About.com
Updated: December 09, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
See More About:
* choosing health plans
* open enrollment
Sponsored Links
HR Benefits CertificationImprove Your Career w/ a Cornell University Certificate in HR Onlinewww.eCornell.com
Mobile Healthcare Systemslevel II field, mobile hospital medical waste treatmentturmaks.com.tr
Biomedical Science (Bsc)University of Bedfordshire Degree starting in September 2008www.beds.ac.uk
Health Insurance Ads
Health Insurance Cost Health Coverage Health Care Benefits Health Premiums Sexual Health
During your health plan's open enrollment period, you may be bewildered by the variety of options available to you. Learn more about how to decide which plan is best for you and your family.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: Several hours
Here's How:
1. First, think about what you need from your health insurance coverage. If you have a chronic health condition, your needs are going to be different from someone who rarely becomes ill. Estimate how much health care you and your family will need, based on previous years as well as expectations for the future.
2. Consider other factors that might be important to you, such as access to specialists, a specific hospital, or the doctor of your choice. As a general rule, HMOs are more restrictive than PPOs when it comes to physician access.
3. Think about how much you are comfortable paying out-of-pocket. Some plans have lower premiums, but require you to pay higher deductibles. If you do not anticipate high expenses, you may come out ahead with this option. However, some people will be more comfortable with paying higher premiums in exchange for lower out-of-pocket costs.
4. Make a list of the criteria most important to you. You may think you can skip this step, but writing it all down will make the task seem less overwhelming and help you sort through your plan options.
5. Compare your list with the features of the plans available to you. Don't just pick the same plan you had last year! Plans change and yours may cost more or have fewer benefits next year. Check all of your options. You may not find the "perfect" fit, but you'll probably find some plans that come close.
6. Sign up for the plan of your choice. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your human resources department.
Tips:
1. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to contact your human resources department or the plan administrator if you have any questions. You don't want to sign up for a plan only to discover that your doctor does not participate or that it doesn't cover the prescription drugs you need.
2. Be conscious of your deadline. Some people are procrastinators and put unpleasant tasks off until the last possible minute. This is not something you want to wait until the last minute to complete. Be sure you make your choice before the deadline.
What You Need:
* Information about your plan options
* Pen and paper
* Calculator
More Health Insurance How To's
Suggested Reading
Open EnrollmentHMO vs. PPODeductiblePart D Basics
Related Articles
* Reviewing Health Care Insurance Expenses
* Getting what you need from your health plan
* Getting what you need from the health care system
* Getting what you need from the health care system
* Helpful Tips When Choosing Between Health Care Plans
Kelly Montgomery
Guide since 2005
Kelly Montgomery
Health Insurance Guide
* Sign up for my Newsletter
* My Blog
* My Forum
Sponsored Links
Worldwide Health InsuranceWorldwide health insurance for you & your Family. Free quote now!www.AllianzWorldwideCare.com
Cardiac ElectrophysiologyQuality Healthcare By The Utmost Medical Specialists In Israelwww.Shemere.co.il
Medical Device BridgeSetting distribution channels Pentrate verious marketswww.mmbim.com
Medical IncineratorsMedical waste incinerators Highly durable and easy to installwww.inciner8.com
Pto PlanDownload this article and network with your HR peers. Free sign-up!HR.Toolbox.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Congress Works To Reduce Reform Price Tag
Congress Works To Reduce Reform Price Tag
Thursday June 18, 2009
The Senate Finance Committee is working to keep the cost of health reform below $1 trillion over the next 10 years. According to the Wall Street Journal, this is a difficult task considering that the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the cost of reducing the number of uninsured Americans by 40 million would be approximately $1.6 billion over the next 10 years, and that would still leave 15 million Americans without insurance.
If the committee can find a way to keep costs below $1 trillion, this spending should be fully covered by redistributing money from other government programs, as well as tax increases.
* Comments (0)
* See All Posts
* Prev
*
Sponsored Links
Corporate Health CoverHealth, Life & Income protection plans for expats. Get more info nowwww.william-russell.com/Corporate
Make Your Breasts SmallerTry Non-Surgical Breast Reduction. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Buy Now!www.AlexiaBreast.com
LogTag RecordersThe ideal Data Logger for all kinds of Temperature Monitoringwww.logtag-recorders.com
Comments
No comments yet. Leave a Comment
Leave a Comment
Name Email (never displayed) URL Your Comment
Line and paragraph breaks are automatic. Some HTML allowed: , , ,
Say It!
Must Reads
* Health Insurance 101
* Buying an Individual Policy
* How to Resolve a Claims Dispute
* HMO vs. PPO
* Your Rights Under Job-Based Coverage
Sponsored Links
AICI Real EstateOutstanding real estate for sales and rentals in the Cannes Area.www.aici.fr
Reduce CholesterolAnswers to your questions about cholesterol and more!yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com
Steel Warrior Knives"High Quality at a Low Price" FREE Shipping, NEW Lower Prices!DeadwoodKnives.com
Hr CostDownload this article and network with your HR peers. Free sign-up!HR.Toolbox.com
Make working capital workMore cash - less cost - less crunch Working Capital Consulting Limitedwww.wccltd.co.uk
Thursday June 18, 2009
The Senate Finance Committee is working to keep the cost of health reform below $1 trillion over the next 10 years. According to the Wall Street Journal, this is a difficult task considering that the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the cost of reducing the number of uninsured Americans by 40 million would be approximately $1.6 billion over the next 10 years, and that would still leave 15 million Americans without insurance.
If the committee can find a way to keep costs below $1 trillion, this spending should be fully covered by redistributing money from other government programs, as well as tax increases.
* Comments (0)
* See All Posts
* Prev
*
Sponsored Links
Corporate Health CoverHealth, Life & Income protection plans for expats. Get more info nowwww.william-russell.com/Corporate
Make Your Breasts SmallerTry Non-Surgical Breast Reduction. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Buy Now!www.AlexiaBreast.com
LogTag RecordersThe ideal Data Logger for all kinds of Temperature Monitoringwww.logtag-recorders.com
Comments
No comments yet. Leave a Comment
Leave a Comment
Name Email (never displayed) URL Your Comment
Line and paragraph breaks are automatic. Some HTML allowed: , , ,
Say It!
Must Reads
* Health Insurance 101
* Buying an Individual Policy
* How to Resolve a Claims Dispute
* HMO vs. PPO
* Your Rights Under Job-Based Coverage
Sponsored Links
AICI Real EstateOutstanding real estate for sales and rentals in the Cannes Area.www.aici.fr
Reduce CholesterolAnswers to your questions about cholesterol and more!yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com
Steel Warrior Knives"High Quality at a Low Price" FREE Shipping, NEW Lower Prices!DeadwoodKnives.com
Hr CostDownload this article and network with your HR peers. Free sign-up!HR.Toolbox.com
Make working capital workMore cash - less cost - less crunch Working Capital Consulting Limitedwww.wccltd.co.uk
Health Insurance Basics
Health Insurance Basics
Are you looking for general information about health insurance? Find out about the various types of insurance coverage, including job-based coverage, individual policies, Medicare, Medicaid, and state high risk pools.
Health Savings Accounts
Learn more about HSAs, or health savings accounts, including how much you can contribute, what happens to those contributions, and how they could help to contain health spending.
Is the COBRA Subsidy Taxable?
Many Americans who have recently been laid off have been taking advantage of the new COBRA subsidy. Learn more about this subsidy, including whether this benefit will count toward your taxable income.
See more links below...
Sponsored Links
Travel Health InsuranceApply Now and Save Big! Get Online Quotes, ID Cards & Embassy letter www.visitorsinsurance.com
travel health insuranceInternational Insurance Specialist for Organizations and Individuals www.clements.com
Health travel insurance$5 Million Travel Medical Insurance For Families, Singles And Seniors. HolidayGuard.com/TripMedicalCover
Why Was I Rejected For Health Insurance Coverage?
Have you been rejected for health insurance coverage? Find out why and what you can do about it.
I Missed My Job-Based Benefits Open Enrollment Period. What Can I Do?
Learn more about open enrollment, and what you can do if you miss your plan's open enrollment period.
What Can I Use My HSA Funds For? What Can I Not Use Them For?
Learn more about HSAs, including what you can and cannot use your HSA funds for.
How Much Can I Contribute To My HSA?
Learn more about HSAs, including how much you can contribute to your HSA.
What Happens If I Don't Use All My HSA Contributions Before the End of the Year?
Learn more about HSAs, including what happens to unused HSA funds at the end of the year.
How Do I Enroll My Child In My Job-Based Health Plan?
Learn more about how to enroll your child in your job-based health insurance plan.
Can I Use COBRA As A Dependent Even If The Covered Employee Does Not Elect It?
Learn more about COBRA continuation coverage for dependents, including when a dependent can elect COBRA.
Want Health Insurance? Start Here!
In the market for health insurance? Learn more about where to start looking, and how to find help when you need it.
Do I Need Health Insurance?
Find out more about why you should have health insurance, and how it helps to protect you financially.
Pre-existing Conditions
Have you ever been turned down for coverage because of a pre-existing health condition? Or have you had a health insurance claim denied because of a pre-existing condition? Share your story.
Negotiate With Your Provider For Healthcare Discounts
Learn more about negotiating with your healthcare provider for discounts, including how to build goodwill and the best way to broach the subject.
Resources For Laid Off Workers
Learn more about the options and resources available to you if you are laid off from your job.
Five Things You Should Know About Out-of-Pocket Spending
Learn more about out-of-pocket spending, including copays, co-insurance and deductibles.
Choose a Health Plan During Open Enrollment
Learn more about how to choose a health plan during open enrollment.
COBRA Continuation Coverage
Learn more about COBRA, including who is eligible, how to elect coverage, what it covers and how much it costs.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Health Insurance
What you don't know about pre-existing conditions can hurt you. Find out more about what pre-existing conditions are, and how you can stay covered if you have one.
Long Term Care
Learn more about long term care insurance, including what it covers and whether it is right for you.
SiCKO Movie Review
Find out what the Michael Moore film SiCKO is all about, and whether you should go see SiCKO!
Discount Medical Cards
Are discount medical cards a viable alternative to insurance coverage? Find out more!
Health Information Technology
Find out what Health Information Technology is, what it can do to improve our health care system, and what the potential drawbacks are.
Health Insurance Resolutions
New Year's Resolutions that will help you minimze health care costs and make the most of your health insurance plan
Health Insurance 101
Learn more about job-based coverage, individual policies, Medicare, Medicaid, and state high risk pools here!
Health Insurance Consumer Guides
Want in-depth information about health insurance, specific to the state you live in? Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute has written consumer information guides. Select your state and learn more about your rights and the protections available to you.
Health Insurance Information for People with Diabetes
This guide, compiled by the American Diabetes Association, has helpful health insurance information geared towards people with diabetes. Most of the information on this site can apply to anyone, especially people with chronic illnesses and health conditions.
Health Insurance Basics - from Insure.com
Helpful information about your various options for getting health insurance.
Checkup on Health Insurance Choices
The federal government’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has put together a consumer guide outlining the various health insurance options available in the market today.
Links to State Insurance Department Websites
Find your state’s insurance department. These departments regulate all insurance policies bought or sold in that state, including health, life, auto, and property/casualty.
Sponsored Links
World Travel InsuranceInternational Travel Insurance Worldwide resident travel Cover www.worldwideinsure.com
JoHo & InsurancesInternational Medical / Travel Low Rates & profit for non-profit www.insureyourwayaroundtheworld.com
HTH Worldwide InsuranceGet HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance. Review prices. Apply online. HTHworldwide.com
130 30 FundamentalsImprove Performance of 130 30 Funds Top 50 Yield and Recommended Stocks www.atlantisinvestment.com/
Insurance TutorialsFind IT Solutions for your Business Insurance Tutorials, Info. & Tools! www.KnowledgeStorm.com
Are you looking for general information about health insurance? Find out about the various types of insurance coverage, including job-based coverage, individual policies, Medicare, Medicaid, and state high risk pools.
Health Savings Accounts
Learn more about HSAs, or health savings accounts, including how much you can contribute, what happens to those contributions, and how they could help to contain health spending.
Is the COBRA Subsidy Taxable?
Many Americans who have recently been laid off have been taking advantage of the new COBRA subsidy. Learn more about this subsidy, including whether this benefit will count toward your taxable income.
See more links below...
Sponsored Links
Travel Health InsuranceApply Now and Save Big! Get Online Quotes, ID Cards & Embassy letter www.visitorsinsurance.com
travel health insuranceInternational Insurance Specialist for Organizations and Individuals www.clements.com
Health travel insurance$5 Million Travel Medical Insurance For Families, Singles And Seniors. HolidayGuard.com/TripMedicalCover
Why Was I Rejected For Health Insurance Coverage?
Have you been rejected for health insurance coverage? Find out why and what you can do about it.
I Missed My Job-Based Benefits Open Enrollment Period. What Can I Do?
Learn more about open enrollment, and what you can do if you miss your plan's open enrollment period.
What Can I Use My HSA Funds For? What Can I Not Use Them For?
Learn more about HSAs, including what you can and cannot use your HSA funds for.
How Much Can I Contribute To My HSA?
Learn more about HSAs, including how much you can contribute to your HSA.
What Happens If I Don't Use All My HSA Contributions Before the End of the Year?
Learn more about HSAs, including what happens to unused HSA funds at the end of the year.
How Do I Enroll My Child In My Job-Based Health Plan?
Learn more about how to enroll your child in your job-based health insurance plan.
Can I Use COBRA As A Dependent Even If The Covered Employee Does Not Elect It?
Learn more about COBRA continuation coverage for dependents, including when a dependent can elect COBRA.
Want Health Insurance? Start Here!
In the market for health insurance? Learn more about where to start looking, and how to find help when you need it.
Do I Need Health Insurance?
Find out more about why you should have health insurance, and how it helps to protect you financially.
Pre-existing Conditions
Have you ever been turned down for coverage because of a pre-existing health condition? Or have you had a health insurance claim denied because of a pre-existing condition? Share your story.
Negotiate With Your Provider For Healthcare Discounts
Learn more about negotiating with your healthcare provider for discounts, including how to build goodwill and the best way to broach the subject.
Resources For Laid Off Workers
Learn more about the options and resources available to you if you are laid off from your job.
Five Things You Should Know About Out-of-Pocket Spending
Learn more about out-of-pocket spending, including copays, co-insurance and deductibles.
Choose a Health Plan During Open Enrollment
Learn more about how to choose a health plan during open enrollment.
COBRA Continuation Coverage
Learn more about COBRA, including who is eligible, how to elect coverage, what it covers and how much it costs.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Health Insurance
What you don't know about pre-existing conditions can hurt you. Find out more about what pre-existing conditions are, and how you can stay covered if you have one.
Long Term Care
Learn more about long term care insurance, including what it covers and whether it is right for you.
SiCKO Movie Review
Find out what the Michael Moore film SiCKO is all about, and whether you should go see SiCKO!
Discount Medical Cards
Are discount medical cards a viable alternative to insurance coverage? Find out more!
Health Information Technology
Find out what Health Information Technology is, what it can do to improve our health care system, and what the potential drawbacks are.
Health Insurance Resolutions
New Year's Resolutions that will help you minimze health care costs and make the most of your health insurance plan
Health Insurance 101
Learn more about job-based coverage, individual policies, Medicare, Medicaid, and state high risk pools here!
Health Insurance Consumer Guides
Want in-depth information about health insurance, specific to the state you live in? Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute has written consumer information guides. Select your state and learn more about your rights and the protections available to you.
Health Insurance Information for People with Diabetes
This guide, compiled by the American Diabetes Association, has helpful health insurance information geared towards people with diabetes. Most of the information on this site can apply to anyone, especially people with chronic illnesses and health conditions.
Health Insurance Basics - from Insure.com
Helpful information about your various options for getting health insurance.
Checkup on Health Insurance Choices
The federal government’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has put together a consumer guide outlining the various health insurance options available in the market today.
Links to State Insurance Department Websites
Find your state’s insurance department. These departments regulate all insurance policies bought or sold in that state, including health, life, auto, and property/casualty.
Sponsored Links
World Travel InsuranceInternational Travel Insurance Worldwide resident travel Cover www.worldwideinsure.com
JoHo & InsurancesInternational Medical / Travel Low Rates & profit for non-profit www.insureyourwayaroundtheworld.com
HTH Worldwide InsuranceGet HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance. Review prices. Apply online. HTHworldwide.com
130 30 FundamentalsImprove Performance of 130 30 Funds Top 50 Yield and Recommended Stocks www.atlantisinvestment.com/
Insurance TutorialsFind IT Solutions for your Business Insurance Tutorials, Info. & Tools! www.KnowledgeStorm.com
Buying an Individual Health Insurance Policy
Buying an Individual Health Insurance Policy
Get started on your search for health insurance coverage!
By Kelly Montgomery, About.com
Updated: June 16, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
See More About:
* individual policies
* insurance agents
* health insurance policy terms
* guaranteed renewability
Sponsored Links
Expat Health InsuranceSpecialist international brokers range of plans and quotes onlinewww.expatriate-insurance.com
MSc Policy ResearchMake your Masters work for you ESRC 1+3 PhD training programmewww.Bristol.ac.uk/sps/studying
Human Resource PoliciesDownload this article and network with your HR peers. Free sign-up!HR.Toolbox.com
Health Insurance Ads
Individual Health Insurance Employee Insurance Medical Benefits Prostate Health Health Coverage
If you do not get your health insurance through your job, you may be able to buy a policy as an individual. Individual coverage is harder to obtain, more expensive, and less consumer-friendly than job-based coverage, but it is better than not having insurance at all. Good health is never guaranteed - even if you do not spend much for your healthcare right now, all it takes is one hospitalization to wipe you out financially.
One way to start your search for an individual policy is by looking for an independent agent. Independent insurance agents must register with your state department of insurance, so they will have a list of people licensed to sell health insurance in your state. You can also visit the National Association of Health Underwriters website to find an independent agent in your state.
Another option is to look for health insurance coverage online. eHealthinsurance.com allows you to compare policies from different insurance companies side-by-side, which is a very helpful feature.
On the next page, find out what to look for in your individual policy.
Prev
* 1
* 2
Next
Readers Respond: Problems Encountered When Buying an Individual Policy
User responses are not monitored by About.com's Medical Review Board.
Be the first to respond
Suggested Reading
Individual Health Insurance PoliciesHealth Insurance - Do I Need Health InsuranceOther Options for Health Insurance
Related Articles
* Individual Policies - The Basics
* Florida Health Insurance
* Washington Health Insurance - Information on Washington Health Insurance
* Buying an Individual Health Insurance Policy
* New York - Health Insurance - New York Health Insurance Information
Kelly Montgomery
Guide since 2005
Kelly Montgomery
Health Insurance Guide
* Sign up for my Newsletter
* My Blog
* My Forum
Sponsored Links
Worldwide Health InsuranceWorldwide health insurance for you & your Family. Free quote now!www.AllianzWorldwideCare.com
ITIN Worldwide ServiceFor investors in USA. Corporate or individual. London, UK based officewww.ustaxonline.com
Expats - I Work For YouBBB-Member. Quotes + Buying Tips. US-Style Health & Medical Insurancewww.InternationalInsurancePro.com
Individual EnterpriseRolex Supports Individuals Who Are Making the World A Better PlaceRolexawards.com
Nortel AL2001E15 $800Free domestic ship. 1-888-595-9001 Same day ship available. Warranty.www.controlhouseintl.com/
Advertisement
Explore Health Insurance
Get started on your search for health insurance coverage!
By Kelly Montgomery, About.com
Updated: June 16, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
See More About:
* individual policies
* insurance agents
* health insurance policy terms
* guaranteed renewability
Sponsored Links
Expat Health InsuranceSpecialist international brokers range of plans and quotes onlinewww.expatriate-insurance.com
MSc Policy ResearchMake your Masters work for you ESRC 1+3 PhD training programmewww.Bristol.ac.uk/sps/studying
Human Resource PoliciesDownload this article and network with your HR peers. Free sign-up!HR.Toolbox.com
Health Insurance Ads
Individual Health Insurance Employee Insurance Medical Benefits Prostate Health Health Coverage
If you do not get your health insurance through your job, you may be able to buy a policy as an individual. Individual coverage is harder to obtain, more expensive, and less consumer-friendly than job-based coverage, but it is better than not having insurance at all. Good health is never guaranteed - even if you do not spend much for your healthcare right now, all it takes is one hospitalization to wipe you out financially.
One way to start your search for an individual policy is by looking for an independent agent. Independent insurance agents must register with your state department of insurance, so they will have a list of people licensed to sell health insurance in your state. You can also visit the National Association of Health Underwriters website to find an independent agent in your state.
Another option is to look for health insurance coverage online. eHealthinsurance.com allows you to compare policies from different insurance companies side-by-side, which is a very helpful feature.
On the next page, find out what to look for in your individual policy.
Prev
* 1
* 2
Next
Readers Respond: Problems Encountered When Buying an Individual Policy
User responses are not monitored by About.com's Medical Review Board.
Be the first to respond
Suggested Reading
Individual Health Insurance PoliciesHealth Insurance - Do I Need Health InsuranceOther Options for Health Insurance
Related Articles
* Individual Policies - The Basics
* Florida Health Insurance
* Washington Health Insurance - Information on Washington Health Insurance
* Buying an Individual Health Insurance Policy
* New York - Health Insurance - New York Health Insurance Information
Kelly Montgomery
Guide since 2005
Kelly Montgomery
Health Insurance Guide
* Sign up for my Newsletter
* My Blog
* My Forum
Sponsored Links
Worldwide Health InsuranceWorldwide health insurance for you & your Family. Free quote now!www.AllianzWorldwideCare.com
ITIN Worldwide ServiceFor investors in USA. Corporate or individual. London, UK based officewww.ustaxonline.com
Expats - I Work For YouBBB-Member. Quotes + Buying Tips. US-Style Health & Medical Insurancewww.InternationalInsurancePro.com
Individual EnterpriseRolex Supports Individuals Who Are Making the World A Better PlaceRolexawards.com
Nortel AL2001E15 $800Free domestic ship. 1-888-595-9001 Same day ship available. Warranty.www.controlhouseintl.com/
Advertisement
Explore Health Insurance
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)