subject: Your Own Personal Health Care Debate [print this page] The seemingly never ending debates to make health care affordable for everyone is on going everyday, making it a core and important issue on the minds of elected officials. Ignoring this issue tends to be the option most of us take, because until a decision is made, there is nothing anyone can do. Open enrollment time frames keeps our minds preoccupied about our own policy types and making decisions now, about what our needs will be next year.
Open enrollment is the time when you have to evaluate what you currently have and how much of a premium increase you will have to absorb to continue with your same policy. If the price increase is too high, you may have to look at a less expensive policy, even though it may come with numerous restrictions, some of which you would prefer not to have. As has been happening for several years, premiums will most likely be increased and companies will shift more of the costs to the employees than they have in the past. Depending on the health insurance plan you choose, this could mean that your premiums will be higher, your deductible may be increased, and your co-pay amount could be raised.
You should not just assume that because you have had the same health insurance policy for many years, it is the policy that is best suited to your needs. Research has shown that people pay very little attention to choosing a health insurance policy, even though it is extremely important that they make a wise decision while purchasing the one that supplies the most benefits for your dollar.
Take the time to investigate your choices. Consider attending seminars on health insurance policies, contact your Human Resources Department and ask for information regarding your options. Comparison shop among the health insurance plans your company offers; however, also consider comparing the policies your company offers with those being offered by your spouse's company.
It is often less expensive for each of you to be covered by your own employer. If, however, you have children, then there is more to compare, as one company may still be considerably less than the other. Compare not only the percentage of the premium that the employer is paying, but also all of the out-of-pocket expenses for which you will be responsible. This should be a major consideration in making your decision.
