"Smart Steps to Select 2025 Health Benefits"

Tips for choosing your health insurance benefits for 2025 

With inflation still high in the United States, you may need to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it's important to keep your budget and health in mind. 

This year's open enrollment season is a good opportunity to review how you use health care services and decide whether to stay with your current plan  or switch to another plan offered. It's too an opportunity to assess your generally care costs to guarantee you select the arrange that best fits your budget another year.

When to enroll: For those who are insured through an employer, open enrollment usually takes place over a two- or three-week period between September and December. For Medicare beneficiaries, the annual Medicare enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Coverage decisions made in the fall go into effect on January 1, 2025.  Here are 7 tips to consider when choosing a plan that will help improve your health and reduce costs: 

First, consider all your options. Take the time to understand and compare the benefits, benefits, and costs of each available plan  to determine which is best for you. Pay attention to not only your monthly premiums but also your out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, copayments, and copayments. 

Medicare Members and Caregivers: As you consider your options, be sure to understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you want an overview, visit MedicareEducation.com. This online resource provides answers to questions about eligibility, choosing a plan, basic costs, prescription coverage, and more.  

Learn the language. If you feel overwhelmed  or unsure about certain medical terms, there are resources to help you. To help you make an informed decision, start by reviewing UnitedHealth Group's Just Plain Clear glossary (in English, Spanish, and Portuguese). 

 . Medicare Made Clear helps you understand the basics, the complexities, and everything in between. Avoid financial surprises. Visiting an in-network doctor is one way to  keep  costs down, so before you choose a plan, check whether your doctor is part of your health insurance plan's provider network. And even if you don't plan on changing plans, make sure your medications will be covered in the plan you choose next year. 

See if you can fill your prescription at a participating network pharmacy or have it delivered to your home  by mail. Here are two other options that could potentially save you money: Medicare members and caregivers: You might be surprised to learn that Original Medicare doesn't typically cover prescription drugs. To lower your drug costs, consider adding Part D or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage. 

Check for mental health coverage. In expansion to in-person mental wellbeing care, you may have get to to a expansive virtual arrange of specialists and therapists. A few wellbeing guarantees too offer backing administrations to offer assistance you discover the right sort of behavioral wellbeing care. .Medicare members and caregivers: Look for plans that offer virtual mental health care with  $0 out-of-pocket costs. 

Don't forget about special services. Additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing and critical illness coverage are often available and can contribute to your overall well-being. 

Medicare members and caregivers: You might be surprised to learn that Original Medicare doesn't cover most dental, vision and hearing care, but many Medicare Advantage plans do. 

Investigate wellness programs. Many health insurance plans offer incentives to reward  healthier behaviors, such as: B. filling out a health survey, exercising, or avoiding nicotine. 

Medicare members and caregivers: Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs to members at no extra cost. 

Discover virtual care services: If you're busy or simply want to connect with your doctor from the comfort of your own home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. You may have access to virtual health exams, urgent care, and chronic disease management.  Medicare members and caregivers: Most Medicare Advantage plans offer access to virtual care, making it an easier and more affordable way to talk to a doctor about common health issues using your smartphone, tablet or computer.