Health insurance open enrollment approaching

With the new year fast approaching and a pandemic loose around the world, many people are evaluating what their health care looks like.

Annual, or open, enrollment season is here, a time when more than 7.6 million people in Ohio and millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for the coming year. Many employers set aside a two- to three-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year and Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.

“When it comes to selecting a plan, one size

does not fit all,” said CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Ohio Kurt Lewis. “Whether you are selecting a plan for the first time or evaluating how well your current plan is meeting your needs, take the time to understand and compare plans. A good first step is to make sure you understand health insurance lingo, such as premium, deductible, coinsurance and out-ofpocket maximum.

“If you’re of Medicare age, ensure you’re familiar with the difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage by checking out Medicare Made Clear. com as you weigh your options.”

Lewis encourages those considering signing up for or changing health insurance plans to start slow and ask a lot of questions. He suggested starting with asking your employer what options they offer and evaluating the options from there based on coverage needs, cost, incentives and any planned expenses.

“If you are expecting a significant health event in the next year, such as a surgery or the birth of a child, you should compare the differences between plan designs, including outof-pocket maximums,” he said. “Many health plans now offer financial incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine. Many plans, including Medicare Advantage plans, offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.”

Lewis added that with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more inclined to participate in telehealth visits as a safer and cheaper option to the traditional office visit.

Most telehealth services are covered, or at least partially covered, by insurance.

But he also stated that insurance can be intimidating and difficult to understand. To that end, Lewis said working with a health care advocate to make sure customers get the best plan for their needs.

“Health care can be complicated, so no one should have to go it alone,” he said. “It’s important to pick a plan that will provide you with access to advocates who help you navigate the health care system, find opportunities for cost savings and improve your health care experiences.

“Advocates help individuals make better choices by explaining options and costs and guiding them to quality providers and the appropriate care settings.”

More information and educational videos can be found at UHCOpenEnrollment.com or by contacting your employer’s human resources department.