10 Tips for Choosing a Health Plan

By Remy Richman

Choosing health benefits may be one of the most important decisions we make every year. With Open Enrollment upon us, thousands of Bucks County residents are shopping for health insurance on public exchanges. Choosing your health plan can feel like a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be.

This year, new plans aim to provide a simpler, more user-friendly and personalized experience. Follow these 10 tips to make sure you pick the best plan for you and your family so that you get the health coverage and peace of mind you need.

1. Understand the terminology – Become familiar with commonly used words. You will see words like deductible, premium, copay and Health Savings Account. You can do research at sites such as healthcare.gov and aetna.com. A basic understanding of these terms will help you throughout the process.

2. Make a list – Identify your current and anticipated health care needs, including prescription medications, planned surgeries or procedures for the upcoming year, to help you pick the most effective plan.

3. What’s new in your life? – Did you get married last year? Have a baby? Retire? A new life event will impact your health benefits and change the kind of plan you may need.

4. Learn from the past – Think back to any problems you may have had with your previous plan. Now is the time to choose the coverage you wish you had.

5. Get a plan that fits you – Your plan should fit your lifestyle and health care needs. Many people are on the go, so mobile access to plan information and even virtual doctor visits are high on their list. Others may need a plan tailored just for their health care condition. For example, in some locations, Aetna is introducing a plan for diabetics that offers lower deductibles, more regular checkups and wellness options. Find a plan that works for you.

6. Know what you’re paying for – While there may be several factors involved in your health plan decision, cost is probably a priority. Make sure you understand all of the costs associated with your plan, beyond just the premium.

7. Read the fine-print – It’s not exciting, but fine print can contain important explanations and definitions. Review the materials from your employer or insurer to note any changes from the previous year, and make sure your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the network.

8. Ask questions! – Ask your doctor questions about tests, medications, consultations and other health care services you may need over the next year to help you make a smarter decision. Many employers also offer open enrollment meetings and other resources to help you better understand your options.

9. Know your deadlines – Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to choose your benefits. You don’t want to be scrambling for answers with a deadline looming.

10. Keep it simple – New plans, like Aetna LeapSM , are designed to simplify health plan choice and management, similar to online banking. You should look for a plan that is understandable, clear, simple to use and, of course, affordable. As you shop, be mindful of the digital tools, such as online prescription refills, a plan provides and how a plan rewards you for taking an active role in your health.

If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to making an Open Enrollment choice that is about you and your family. That’s important because you are the foundation of a healthier world.

Remy Richman is the Executive Director of Aetna’s Southeastern Pennsylvania market.