Amid higher inflation, you may be looking at ways to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to healthcare, it’s important to keep your well-being and budget in mind.
Annual or open enrollment season is here — a time when more than 12 million Floridians will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for the coming year.
For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens for two weeks sometime between September and December. Medicare members can enroll or make changes to coverage from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Most selections made will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
Open enrollment is a good chance to review how often you’re using health services and decide whether you’ll stick with the plan you’ve got or switch to another being offered. It’s also an opportunity to assess your overall care costs to ensure you’re choosing a plan that will work best for next year’s budget.
Here are seven tips to help in choosing a health plan through work, the Exchange Marketplace or Medicare:
Consider all your options. Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan to figure out which will work best for you. A good first step may be to watch a quick refresher video at https://newsroom.uhc.com/open-enrollment/millennial-insurance-lingo.html on health insurance lingo, including premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums. Medicare members can find a review at MedicareEducation.com and answers to questions about eligibility, plan choices, cost basics, prescription coverage and more.
Check your prescription benefits. Knowing how to get the most out of your prescription benefits may help you manage costs. Check into discounts and lower-cost alternatives, including generics, and discover money-saving options for filling your prescriptions, including participating in a network pharmacy or home delivery by mail. Medicare options for keeping medication costs in check are either adding the Part D supplement or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.
Check for mental health coverage. In addition to in-person mental healthcare, you may have access to a large virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists. Some health insurers also offer advocacy services to help you find the right type of behavioral health care.
Don’t forget about specialty benefits. Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being.
Look into wellness programs. Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine. Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.
Anticipate next year’s health expenses. If you’re expecting a significant health event in the next year, such as the birth of a child or surgery, compare the differences in plans for that specific situation, including any out-of-pocket costs.
Consider a plan with virtual care services. If you’re busy or just prefer connecting with a doctor from the convenience of your home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care for access to virtual wellness visits, urgent care and chronic condition management. Most Medicare Advantage plans provide access to virtual care, which can be an easier, more affordable way to talk with doctors about common health issues on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
For helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit https://newsroom.uhc.com/open-enrollment.html.
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