ONC Reporting –
Ohio experts say understanding a healthcare plan’s benefits and comparing plans are critical for ensuring people have the coverage they need and keep costs affordable for the coming year.
The enrollment period for employer-sponsored coverage is typically between September and December, and for people eligible for Medicare, annual enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7th.
Becky Hayward with the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program advises that for the prescription drug portion of open enrollment, people should review all of the drugs that they take, look at their current prescription drug plan, and then compare what that cost is going to be for 2024.
“So looking at what the co-pays are, what the deductibles might be, if it applies, if there’s any premiums. “
Nearly two-thirds of Medicare enrollees are in individual plans that are open for general enrollment, according to data from the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation.
Dr. Rhonda Randall with UnitedHealthcare says comparing plans is critical for understanding your benefits.
“the best thing that you can arm yourself with during this open enrollment season is to take the time to compare those benefits and services and what your costs are.”
Hayward adds, healthcare plans are constantly changing.
“You also want to look at your out of pocket cost, what you might be responsible for, and the benefits that you have access to. That could change significantly year to year even within the same plan.”
UnitedHealthcare’s Just Plain Clear – a glossary of health insurance terms, can be found online at ‘justplainclear.com.’