Navigating open enrollment: Choosing the perfect plan for you
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This article is brought to you by Select Health, a nonprofit health plan serving Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Colorado, with over 1 million members nationwide. Committed to the well-being of its members and communities, Select Health shares a mission with Intermountain Health: helping people live their healthiest lives possible.
Open enrollment is in full swing, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to think about your health. It’s important to think about your current health needs. Everybody is different and most people are at various stages of life and health. Many people are trying to improve their health, others are getting preventive care to stay healthy, and some are managing a chronic condition. Some are simply seeking peace of mind knowing that if something happens, they have access to assistance and options.
Your health insurance plan is an investment in your health and well-being, providing you with the financial support needed for both unexpected and expected medical care and prescription coverage. A common misconception about health plans, however, is that they’re only for medical emergencies or when you’re feeling unwell.
Although your health plan will cover you for emergencies or illness, it should mostly be used to help you stay well and healthy. Access to preventive care, such as immunizations, screenings, and annual physicals, is often fully covered. Your benefits should go beyond just paying claims.
What you need to know
The open enrollment period for Idaho individuals and families runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15. This is the one time a year when families can make changes to their health insurance plan, so it’s important to evaluate your health needs to see if you need to make any changes.
How to find the right plan
People have a choice when looking for health insurance. Some things they should be looking for are stability, provider networks and access to your doctor, superior customer service, and reliability.
Trent Nate, AVP of Sales and Marketing for Select Health in Idaho, recommends examining different plan types and determining if you’re eligible for an advanced premium tax credit (APTC) or cost-sharing reduction (CSR).
“By exploring these different options, you might find that changing to a different plan or adjusting your deductible can save you a lot of money,” said Nate.
With an APTC, the government shares the burden of your premium payments, lightening your monthly load. CSRs, on the other hand, enhance your benefits, translating to overall reduced costs. In essence, it’s about finding a plan that not only fits your health requirements but also your budget.
Most health plans have lots of added value or extras that many either don’t know about or forget to use. But taking advantage of these services can make a difference for many individuals and families. For example, at Select Health, many individual and family health plans provide members with extra benefits. Taking advantage of these services can make a difference for many individuals and families. Most Select Health plans include these added values and benefits:
- Wellness Rewards – Maintaining your health is important – to encourage you to live an active lifestyle, Select Health offers rewards for your commitment to physical activity. You can choose one of these two options to add more value to your plan: Gym membership or physical activity rewards up to $240 per person and $580 a family.
- Telehealth – Intermountain Connect Care – Talk to a provider through your smartphone or computer. Connect Care is a convenient way to address concerns such as fever, cough, joint pain/strain, minor burns or rashes, or sinus pain, to name a few. This telehealth service is free to Select Health members.
- Member advocates – At times you may need help finding the right doctor or getting an appointment. Our Member Advocates are experts at doing just that—they help members locate providers of all types, including those who speak a specific language, and they will even make an appointment for you.
- Healthy beginnings – Moms-to-be, especially those with high-risk pregnancies, should take advantage of this program, which is included in certain plans. Nurse care managers are happy to answer questions, and moms get a free book about pregnancy and childcare.
- Member discounts – Perhaps the least-known membership “extra” is Select Health’s discount program. Members can search for discounts on services such as LASIK, acupuncture, tattoo removal, and more.
Expert assistance at your fingertips
It’s important to remember that the open enrollment period has its limits. Once it closes, you can only enroll if you experience a qualifying life event.
In Idaho, you can enroll now until Dec. 15 for a Jan. 1 effective date for coverage.
If you have questions or need help choosing a plan, Select Health is here to help you! You can call your insurance agent or call Select Health at (855) 442-0220.
In addition, assistance is available through Your Health Idaho. Your Health Idaho is an online tool where individuals and families can shop, compare, and choose health insurance plans from well-known carriers.
“When it’s time to make a choice, consider a health plan that will help you live the healthiest life possible,” Nate emphasizes. “Don’t procrastinate or let uncertainty affect your health coverage. Use the open enrollment period to ensure peace of mind and preparedness for your health journey.”