When it comes to health insurance, it’s important to keep your well-being and budget in mind.
Marc Neely //October 21, 2022//
When it comes to health insurance, it’s important to keep your well-being and budget in mind.
Marc Neely //October 21, 2022//
Amid higher inflation, you may be looking at ways to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it’s important to keep your well-being and budget in mind.
Annual and open enrollment season is here — a time when more than 5.7 million people in Colorado and across the country will have the opportunity to select, or switch, their health insurance plan for the coming year.
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.
Enrollment timing — 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-Dec. 7. Most selections made will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
Here are seven things to consider when evaluating the next move in your health insurance journey:
Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan, so you can figure out which will work best for you. A good first step may be to watch a quick refresher video on health insurance lingo, including premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums.
Knowing how to get the most out of your prescription benefits may help you manage costs. For example, check into discounts and lower-cost alternatives, including generics, which may be available. You may also be able to fill your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery by mail — two more money-saving options.
In addition to in-person mental health care, 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.
Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being.
Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.
If you’re expecting a significant health event in the next year, such as surgery or the birth of a child, compare the differences in plan designs for that specific situation, including any out-of-pocket costs.
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. You may have access to virtual wellness visits, urgent care and chronic condition management.
For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit uhcopenenrollment.com.
George Young is the CEO at UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, AZ, CO, MT, NM, WY.
Marc Neely is the President and CEO at UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, CO & WY.