Employees looking to make a change in their health insurance coverage are able to do so during a time called open enrollment. Open enrollment is usually offered for one or two months per year by employers. Because employers offer various health plan options, it’s important to understand the different costs and benefits each provides. Because open enrollment typically happens at the end of the calendar year (and sometime held only once per year), attending the meeting is extremely important. After all, if you miss open enrollment, you may not be able to enroll in one of your employer sponsored health plans until the next year.

Choosing Your Health Insurance Plan

You will usually be presented with options during open enrollment. Look at each option carefully when choosing your health insurance plan. Remember that the plan with the lowest premium may not be the best fit for you and your family. If you have questions about each of the plans, ask your employer or the insurance agency representing your company. Once you make the decision on which plan is best for you and your family, you may not be able to make a change until the following year. Some of the insurance terms can be confusing, so make certain you fully know what you are paying for each month.

Helpful Tips

As you sit down and review your health insurance options, it is wise to keep a few things in mind during the selection process.

• Make sure your doctor, nurse practitioner and hospital are part of the network plan you choose
• Check to see if your dependents (spouse, children) are covered. Not all plans cover dependents.
• Review any pre-existing condition exclusions. The new health reform legislation (Affordable Care Act) states that plans cannot exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions for children under the age of 19. This same reform does not take affect for adults until 2014.
• If you or a dependent needs ongoing physical therapy or has a mental health problem, make certain the plan you are considering covers that health related need.
• If you are taking a prescribed medication, make sure your medicine is on the plan’s list of approved drugs.

Bagwell Insurance Group, located in Gainesville, Georgia, has helped countless businesses and organizations with their health insurance needs for over 30 years. Our team of insurance agents and professional staff can help answer any question you may have as you search for an affordable health insurance company. We invite you to call our Gainesville office today at (770) 534-1574 if you have questions about open enrollment or other topics relating to health insurance.

Related Information

• Cost of Health Insurance
• How to Choose Your Health Insurance

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