When I first started teaching in 2000, I was very young and I knew absolutely nothing about health care coverage or why it was so important. The moment I was given paperwork to fill out for my new teaching position that included making decisions about what type of coverage I needed, it threw me for a loop.
Thankfully, a colleague of mine who was a veteran teacher took pity on me and sat down with me to give me some advice. She shared with me that choosing the right health care coverage was extremely important because, although I was young and in reasonably good health, one never knew what would happen in the future.
In her words, it was better to be safe than sorry just in case some unforeseen health crisis should arise suddenly in my life. Six months later when I landed in the hospital with Appendicitis, I realized just how right she had been. As the medical bills piled up and my insurance had me covered, I was grateful for this sound advice that I had received.
Many things have changed in health care in recent years. Although the Affordable Care Act has raised the Medicaid limits in some states so more people are eligible, many are unaware of these new guidelines that can empower them to make smarter decisions about their coverage. This is why the open enrollment period is such a crucial time to establish the proper health plan for you and your family.
During open enrollment, individuals usually can make changes to their health insurance or fringe benefits in order to better serve the health care needs of themselves or their families. You can find a plan between November 15 and February 15 to have coverage from the marketplace in 2015. Health plans are annual and there are only a few ways to switch, whether a major life event occurred or it’s open enrollment time.
Insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare want you to be healthy, and health insurance is actually cheaper for you if you are. That is why preventative care and other measures are being covered by insurance more often now.
It’s important to look at deductibles, co-pays, premiums and maximum out-of-pocket as well as the what is covered when comparing health plans. Think about your family and what kinds of things you see doctors for, get prescriptions for, or have operations for. Your health insurance costs can be affected by how much coverage, deductibles, and co-pays you take. Watch these short videos for more information!
Let’s Discuss: What are some of the health care needs you or your family have that influence your decisions when choosing health care coverage?
Disclosure: This sponsored post is being shared on behalf of UnitedHealthcare. All opinions are 100% my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and I believe will be “family friendly.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
© 2014, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
My hubby is a federal employee, so our choices are very limited. We have a good plan, there just aren’t a lot of plans to choose from.
My Hubs is in the process of figuring out his health care right now. He is on medicare and needs a good supplement. I will have him check this out.
I am not a fan of how insurance has been these past few years. We had to opt out of using my husband’s employer coverage and purchase an individual plan. With the high cost of coverage it seems as if the working person.. can no longer afford the fun they used to have due to that high cost of coverage that barely covers anything until you’ve paid a high deductible. I miss the old days… ;(
I have a child with multiple disabilities. I am lucky he has good insurance through SSI, but with all the changes lately, it is taking cuts.
Healthcare is such a stressful topic. We also use UHC and I appreciate the ease of using it and finding information. Thank goodness we’ve found what we like and don’t need to worry about it again for a little while.
Because I have an autoimmune disease insurance is a very important investment for our family. I take multiple medications and see several specialists so coverage for these types of things are a must!
I’m thankful my husband has insurance through his job now. We shopped for our own plans and have gone without before.
Thankfully, my hubby and I both work in insurance full-time, so the lingo is pretty familiar to us. We try to help friends and family who are confused by their policies!
Our family is is lucky! We are covered pretty well through hubby’s work!
I have a great insurance at work so I’m one of the lucky ones but for the people that don’t, I think it’s really important to have one in case of an accident or unexpected illness.
For us it is all about prevention. Glad you had someone guidance in choosing your plan
We are lucky being in Canada most of our stuff is covered. Our wait times are a pain…. This is super important from what I hear in the USA!
I always find health care coverage to be so confusing. When hubs was full time at the hospital we got great coverage. Now he is Per Diem at 2 and even though he works more than full time there are no benefits. Even with a nice size paycheck we can’t afford the cost of insurance right now.
Choosing healthcare can be so confusing! Thanks for sharing this; I really need to make more informed decisions.
My son looks for the cheapest he can find because of student loans.I’m not exactly sure about my daughter though.
I have two young sons, so I’m all about whatever is the best coverage. I’ll worry about the cost later.
Our insurance is ridiculous. I pay so much and don’t get very much coverage. I think it’s time to start looking for a new plan!
So so so many things are changing with insurance. My SIL works in a hospital and she grouches about people getting shafted a lot. 🙁
I have a debilitating illness so that really affects what we do for our insurance coverage. We have to reenroll now and it makes me very nervous!
I need health insurance with all my issues. it would be devastating if I didn’t.
I am so glad I have great coverage now, especially as a healthcare worker. Gotta keep my health up so I can help others on their road to recovery 🙂
Health insurance is really important, it’s hard to get a really good one!
Health insurance is so important. I wish blogging offered it! 😉
One of my favourite things about being Canadian is our wonderful healthcare. I cannot imagine what it would be like to not have it.
I’m very lucky to be Candian, our healthcare is just amazing; I don’t have to worry!
Having health insurance is just not something that we can really afford to take a risk on. Medical bills can be financially devastating without it.
Health care coverage is definitely something that everyone should know about. Unfortunately most people don’t take the time to truly learn what they need to to get the best coverage.
Since past few years health coverage and everything that goes into it has really becoming confusing. No matter how much we educate ourselves there is always something that is not covered or require out of pocket payment.
Healthcare was easier back then and better coverage. So important to have the right healthcare and you need to read between the lines.
The new laws are still very confusing to me, but I’m grateful that we have amazing health care coverage.
Healthcare has gotten so confusing for me, I need a mediator.