7 tips for choosing your health benefits

Millions of Americans are gearing up to evaluate their health plan options during the upcoming open enrollment season — a crucial time for selecting optimal health coverage.

Experts say that a lack of understanding your options may result in less-than-ideal selections, which may cause you to miss out on plans that might better suit your needs and offer potential cost savings.

This year’s open enrollment season is a good chance to review how 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 help ensure you choose a plan that will work best for next year’s budget.

Enrollment timing: For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens during a two- or three-week period between September and December. For those eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15- Dec. 7 each year. Coverage selections made during the fall will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a plan that may help lead you to better health and cost savings:

Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan available to you – including anything that might have changed with your current coverage – so you can figure out which will be the best fit. Pay attention to more than just the monthly premium. You also should understand what out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible, copays and coinsurance, you may be responsible for.

 If you’re overwhelmed by or unsure about health care language, there are resources to help. As a start, check out this Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to help you make informed decisions.

Before choosing a plan, check to see if your doctor is in your plan's provider network since visiting in-network providers can help reduce out of pocket costs. Make sure your medications will be covered by the plan you choose next year – even if you don’t expect to change plans. And consider filling your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery – both of which are more cost-efficient options. You can also look for plans specifically designed to help you better manage health care costs. 

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 have specially trained advocates available to help members find the right type of behavioral health care or resources.

Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, financial protection 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. Others provide real-time insights and personalized support to those living with common chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes.

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. Digital enhancements have also helped ease in-network provider search and cost comparison. Today, there’s a digital health solution for nearly every need – from wellness visits to weight loss and maternal health care, often available in one place – so be sure your plan offers these capabilities. 

For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.