Should I Change My Health Insurance Plan This Open Enrollment?

Stay or Go: Choosing Your Health Insurance Plan

At Sackett Insurance Services, we understand that health insurance is an incredibly important and personal matter. For many of our clients, having a plan that fits their needs feels like having a safety net follow them through their daily lives. We want everyone to feel the same level of security at all times, so we often encourage our clients to reevaluate their health insurance plans during open enrollment every year. Only after comparing plans and prices can you be sure you have the coverage you need at the best possible price.

Automatic Enrollment
Many insurance companies offer automatic enrollment. This is a great option for some people, but could be detrimental to others. When companies automatically enroll you in a plan, they may give you the same plan you had in 2016, or they may give you a similar plan if your current plan is being discontinued or phased out. This means you are not automatically guaranteed you will receive the plan you had. Keep surprises to a minimum by having your health insurance broker look at your plan and determine if it still works for you.

Life Changes
Have you had any life changes in the past year? When births, deaths, adoptions, marriages, new jobs and other significant life events occur, you should always seek the advice of a Certified Covered California Agent. They can help you learn whether you should simply add someone to your existing plan during open enrollment or whether switching to an entirely different plan may be the better option. Each event can have a big impact on cost, deductibles and other important considerations, so it is always best to learn how these issues will affect you and what you can do to keep your out-of-pocket expenses manageable without compromising care.

Medical Considerations
Plans on Covered California are ranked in multiple tiers, or coverage levels. If you or a family member are diagnosed with a medical condition during the year, it may be to your benefit to switch tiers and obtain insurance that provides more complete or affordable coverage. For example, you may decide you want a lower deductible, or a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs. Because California law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions in many circumstances, you may still find great coverage, even if you switch plans.

Situations and needs change. At Sackett & Associates Insurance Services, we can help you find the right fit for you and your family so you know you are covered no matter what. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

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