Researching Health Insurance Options

Where to Start Searching. To know precisely what you would like and need to have from health insurance, ask yourself these questions: Do you need coverage for the whole family or just yourself? If you or a loved one are approaching Medicare age, see our Medicare Guide for enrollment and coverage basics.

• Have you been concerned with preventive care as well as checkups?
• Have you been comfy inside a managed care setting?
• How can I find out what a program will cost?

Take a look at the rates of several insurance companies’ plans by visiting their websites and investigating the options offered. Some insurance companies have all their benefits clearly listed online, making it much easier to compare. Use the information you find online as research, then contact the company to clarify any questions.

Comparing Plans

When comparing plans, think about how much the plan pays for each of the following services:

• Inpatient hospital services
• Outpatient surgery
• Inpatient physician visits
• Office visits to different medical providers
• Skilled nursing care
• Prescription drugs
• Radiology and other diagnostic tests
• Mental healthcare
• Drug and alcohol abuse treatment
• Home healthcare visits
• Rehabilitation facility care
• Physical therapy and speech therapy
• Maternity care
• Hospice care
• Chiropractic treatment
• Preventive care and checkups
• Baby care
• Dental care
• Many other covered services

Facts When Comparing Plans

Ask these questions to ensure your chosen plan works best for you:

• How much is the premium?
• When can it be paid? Will there be any coverage limits, exclusions, or preexisting conditions?
• What kinds of preauthorization or certification processes are required?
• Are there any discounts for healthy behavior?
• How much is the annual deductible?
• What’s the coinsurance percentage?
• What’s the copay per office visit?
• Copay and coinsurance for wellness therapy?
• Copay and coinsurance for inpatient hospital therapy?

Protected Benefits

Understand your plan’s benefits to make sure it’s the right choice for you. Check the summary of benefits or call the insurance company to clarify any questions.

I Have a Good Grasp of the Plan Type I Want. Now What?

Confirm that the policy you’re considering is right for you. Check eligibility for government programs like Medicaid or Medicare. Consider your health history and long-term needs. Use our Retirement Calculator and Retirement Planning Checklist to guide your decisions.

Choosing a Plan

Evaluate your health plan each year. Don’t stay in the same plan just because it’s convenient. Consider changes in your life, like marriage, children, or healthcare provider availability.

• Did you recently get married?
• Did you recently have children?
• Are you caring for aging parents?
• Did your physician leave your plan?
• Is your plan covering essential screenings?
• Are you unsatisfied with your current plan?

Keep track of open enrollment periods and use them to change to a better plan if needed.

Using a Broker

Brokers can help you compare multiple companies and plans to ensure the best fit. Unlike agents who work for one company, brokers provide independent advice.

For help with other policies, see our Life Insurance Buyer’s Guide and Auto Insurance Guide.

This Medicare resource was provided by Amerus Insurance Group, a trusted source for individual and family health insurance solutions nationwide. We help clients compare ACA marketplace plans, private health coverage, and supplemental options to find the right balance of benefits and affordability. Contact Amerus today for a free health plan review.