Here we are again, it’s that time of the year for open enrollment and renewal for insurance plans! Since the ACA, there has been confusion, changes and all sorts of things that folks haven’t quite figured out. So in this post, I’ve got some great resources for everyone to help you get through this year’s enrollment period with some knowledge in their back pocket ; )
The more you know about the Affordable Care Act, the better prepared you’ll be to make smart decisions about your coverage. First, learn about what has changed in health care. The ACA has raised the Medicaid limits in some states so more are eligible and is offering subsidies to eligible income levels above medicaid but still in the realm of struggling. See what open enrollment is all about and why it matters to you. Essentially, you need to use the time of open enrollment to get the proper health plan bought and set for your family. Find a plan between Nov 15 and Feb 15 to have coverage from the marketplace in 2015. There are certain qualifying events that allow you to use a special enrollment period. The exchanges or the marketplace is a website that allows you to compare plans from a variety of providers much like Travelocity. This website will be either the government Healthcare.gov website or your state’s individual marketplace website.
Here are some videos that will help make things a bit more clear:
- Open-Enrollment Guide: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/open-enrollment-guide-tips-on-comparing-health-plans
- Health Insurance Exchanges 101: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/health-care-reform-health-insurance-exchange s-101
- Health Care Reform Update: http://www.uhc.tv/web_video/the-affordable-care-act-one-year-later
Planning Components…What Am I Buying?
OK, so you know a little more about health care and why reform matters…now you need to know what exactly you’re buying. Insurance companies want you to be healthy, and health insurance is actually cheaper for you if you are. That is why preventative care and other measures are being covered by insurance more often now. Health plans are annual and there are only a few ways to switch, whether a major life event occurred or its open enrollment time. It’s important to look at deductibles, co-pays, premiums and maximum out-of-pocket as well as the what is covered when comparing health plans. Think about your family and what kinds of things you see doctors for, get prescriptions for, or have operations for. Your health insurance costs can be affected by how much coverage, deductibles, and co-pays you take.
Watch these short videos for more information!
- Health Insurance Myths and Facts: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/5-myths-and-facts-about-health-insurance
- Changing Health Plans: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/qualifying-life-events-changing-your-health-insurance-coverage
- Shopping for Health Care: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/shopping-for-health-care-services
- Choosing a Health Plan: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/questions-to-ask-when-choosing-health-insurance
- Save on Health Insurance: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/lowering-your-health-insurance-costs
Details…What Does All of This Mean?
All of this health care research can be a lot to take in. Terms such as deductible, premium, co-insurance, EOB and PPO are commonly used when discussing health care. Don’t worry! These short videos may be able to explain what all of this information actually means.
- A. Health Insurance Glossary: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/health-insurance-definitions-and-terms
- B. What’s a Premium?: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/whats-a-premium
- C. What’s a Deductible?: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/whats-a-deductible
- D. What’s a Co-Pay?: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/whats-a-copay
- E. What is an Out-of-Pocket Maximum?: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/what-is-out-of-pocket-maximum
- F. What is Co-Insurance?: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/what-is-coinsurance
- G. What’s a PPO?: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/what-does-ppo-stand-for
- H. What’s an EOB?: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/whats-an-eob
- I. Student Health Insurance: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/health-insurance-options-for-college-students
How Can I Get the Most From My Health Care Plan?
So, you are discovering all of this new information about health care and what’s involved in the shopping process, but it’s only fair that you should know how to get the most out of your health care plan. Costs within health care can be daunting. Check your deductible and out-of-pockets on a regular basis to stay ahead. When deciding on a plan, look for value ads provided by the company such as nurse lines, apps, and health club discounts too! Also, make sure to ask you Doctor how much medical tests will cost and if there are less costly alternatives.
- Take a few minutes to watch these short videos to find out more.
- Know the Cost of Health Care: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/know-the-cost-of-treatments-and-procedures
- Buying a Health Plan: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/buying-the-right-health-insurance-plan
- Questions About Medical Tests: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/medical-tests-questions-to-ask-your-doctor
- Choosing a Health Plan: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/questions-to-ask-when-choosing-health-insurance
- Save on Health Insurance: http://www.uhc.tv/uhc_video/lowering-your-health-insurance-costs
Hopefully you are able to get a clearer picture of the ACA and health insurance in general! Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy enrollment period!
