Choosing an Affordable Health Plan for You and Your Family

Before selecting a health plan for your family, it’s critical you know and can anticipate your family’s healthcare needs. Knowing things like your family history, potential risk factors and preferred doctors are all important components that will help you choose the right plan.

All plans are not created equal. For example, some plans might have higher deductibles but come with better prescription plans. For a family member that has an expensive medication, choosing this kind of plan might be the better option. If you or a family member find yourselves in and out of the doctor’s office, a plan that has a higher premium might save you in the long run. If you or anyone in your family has high medical expenses, look for plans that have lower out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, if you can’t afford your out-of-pocket costs, you’ll be able to buy a plan with a lower out-of-pocket limit.

When choosing a healthcare plan, ask yourself:

1. How much is your monthly premium?
2. Is your preferred doctor in your network? If you do decide to use a doctor that is out-of-network, you’ll want to determine how much (if anything) you will be reimbursed.
3. What are your co-pays, co-insurance or deductibles?
4. What are your out-of-pocket costs?
5. Are my prescriptions covered by the plan?
6. Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
7. Does your plan have access to specialists?
8. Do you have dental or vision coverage?
9. Do you have additional saving options like HSA or FSA plans?

Jot the answers down in a notebook so you can easily compare plans to determine which option is best for you and your family. If you’re still not sure which plan to choose, every provider has a contact number you can reach out to if you have any questions. They’ll help you evaluate your needs to steer you toward a plan that fits your needs.