GetInsured Helps Consumers Prepare for Open Enrollment by Offering 6 Tips for Saving on Healthcare Expenses

Consumers’ plan selections in November will impact their healthcare spending throughout the year

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Humana’s exit from the Marketplace in many states is estimated to affect up to 1.5 million people this fall. Many other plans will have narrower networks with increased premiums. That adds up to millions of Americans shopping for a new plan this open enrollment season. GetInsured, a leading health insurance marketplace, is offering tips to help consumers make the best decisions possible when it comes to health insurance plan selection.

1. Make sure your doctors are in network. Health insurance plans can change each year. Even if a 2016 plan covered certain physicians, that might not be the case for 2017. Consumers should review their plan for any changes. Those in the market for a new plan will want to make sure their doctors are in network.
2. Ensure ongoing prescriptions are covered. Just like doctor networks, prescription coverage can change. Those with regular prescriptions should check to see if their medications are included in their preferred plan before enrolling.
3. Select the right metal tier for your needs. At first glance, bronze plans can seem attractive because of their lower monthly premiums. But these plans typically come with higher deductibles, coinsurance and copays, out-of-pocket maximums, and overall lower levels of coverage. Speaking with a licensed health insurance agent can help determine which metal tier (i.e. which level of coverage) makes the most sense.
4. Find out if you qualify for tax credits. Last year, 85 percent of people who enrolled in a health insurance plan on the Marketplace qualified for tax credits averaging $291.¹ Tax credits are determined by income and household size, and can help to significantly reduce monthly premiums, saving consumers thousands of dollars each year.
5. Don’t shop by monthly premium alone. A health insurance plan that has a $100 monthly premium may look like the lowest cost plan, but after factoring in deductible, copays/coinsurance and prescription costs, that same plan could end up costing more than one with a $200 monthly premium and higher levels of coverage.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Licensed agents are available across the country to help consumers compare and shop for health insurance plans; there is no charge for this service. Consumers will want to select an agent that represents multiple carriers to get a good picture of the options available to them.

“Medical debt continues to be the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States,” said Michael Daugherty, Vice President, Consumer Relations. “That’s why it’s so important for consumers to choose a health insurance plan that works best for their individual needs. At GetInsured, our mission is to make this process simple for shoppers.”