Comparing health plans can be more involved than looking at co-pay and premium amounts. Here are a few questions that can help you dig a little deeper:

• What type of plan should I choose?
• Take time to learn about the different types of health coverage available, like HMOs, PPOs, POS plans, and high deductible health plans (HDHP). Decide which plan is the best fit for your health care needs.

• What’s the health plan really going to cost me?
• Look at the overall cost of the plan. Check out premium amounts, out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles, and co-insurance.

• What’s the difference in cost in a good health year and a bad health year?
• While a plan may seem affordable if you look at the costs when you are in perfect health, you’ll want to look ahead just in case someone in your family has a health issue that needs extended treatment. Check out the out-of-pocket maximum.

• Which providers are in the plan’s network?
• Review the plan’s provider directory so you can see if the doctors you use are in the plan’s network. Also find out the hospitals available in the network. It’s important to use in-network doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers; otherwise, you’ll pay more for your health care services.

• What other services does the plan offer?
• Some plans may have wellness programs that reward you for staying healthy. Others may have an after-hours nurse line you can use for advice. Be sure to check out all plan features before you make a decision.

• How does the plan’s quality standards rank?
• All plans in exchanges have quality ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Look at the plan’s NCQA ratings to see how its members feel about the service provided. Find out how many complaints are logged and what doctors think about the plan.

• How easy is it to get service, deal with issues, and get answers to questions?
• Know this is critical. If a plan doesn’t answer your questions before you become a member, do you think you’ll receive the service you deserve if you enroll?

With so many options available, choosing coverage can be confusing. That’s why it’s so important for you to work with a trusted resource – one that can help you make sense of it all.

Help Is Available

Simply put, we want you simply covered. And we can help with that!

With Simply Covered, you have access to a team of licensed benefits advisors who can help you understand all of your coverage options. With just one phone call, you can work with an experienced insurance professional who can walk you through your options and answer even your most challenging insurance questions. Call us at 1-877-470-3996 or visit our Find Coverage page to get started.