7 tips for choosing your health benefits
Whether you’re selecting a health plan for the first time or evaluating if your coverage still fits your needs, taking time to compare health plans during open enrollment can help you make more informed decisions about your health and budget.
Open enrollment is an opportunity to find a plan that offers valuable resources that can support your health throughout the year, from preventive care to mental health services, wellness benefits, and modern health plans that empower you to shop for care and compare costs upfront.
By knowing what’s available and how to make the most of it, you can get more value from your health plan and be better prepared for whatever the year ahead may bring.
Know your open enrollment dates
Let’s start with the basics. Open enrollment periods vary depending on the type of coverage you have:
- Employer-sponsored coverage: Open enrollment is typically during a two- or three-week period between September and December
- Medicare: The Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year
- Health Insurance Marketplace plans: Open enrollment generally begins Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15 in most states
Choosing the right health plan can feel overwhelming, but a few simple steps can make the process easier and help ensure your coverage meets your needs throughout the year.
Here are seven tips to consider to help you choose a plan:
1. Start early
Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services, and costs of each plan available to you — including any updates to your current coverage. Look beyond the monthly premium and consider out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance you may be responsible for.
2. Demystify the language
Healthcare terms can be confusing, but resources are available to help. Start with the Just Plain Clear Glossary, available in five languages, including Spanish and Chinese, for clarification.
3. Make sure your doctors and medications are covered
Before selecting a plan, confirm your provider is in-network to help reduce costs. Check that your prescriptions are covered even if you’re not switching plans. Consider using network pharmacies or home delivery for savings. Some plans are designed specifically to help manage healthcare costs.
4. Prioritize mental health
Check what mental health services each plan covers, such as in‑person and virtual visits, coaching, 24/7 mental health support lines, and digital self-care tools like, Calm Health.
5. Don’t overlook extra benefits
Dental, vision, hearing, financial protection, and critical illness coverage may be available and can support your overall well-being.
6. Look for plans with upfront cost information
As you compare options, consider what resources are available to help you understand your costs and treatment options before receiving care. Some some health plans, like Surest, are designed with upfront cost transparency in mind, helping you understand exactly what you’ll pay, compare care options, and make more informed decisions before scheduling care.
7. Choose a plan that’s simple to use
When comparing plans, think about what resources are available to help you use your plan throughout the year. Some plans offer personalized recommendations within easy-to-use mobile apps to help you compare options ahead of time based on cost, quality or convenience. Others may connect you to support tailored to your needs, whether that's nutrition guidance, caregiving resources, or women's health programs.
Final thoughts: There are many common myths and misconceptions about healthcare and health insurance. Get the facts to help clear up the confusion about how the healthcare system works.
For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit uhc.com/oe.
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