Health Plans - Open Season

November is usually Open Season to change your health plan coverage.

Plan explanations are often lengthy, confusing and written so technically that it's hard to determine just what is the best plan to meet your needs at the least cost.

I spent a lot of time last week reviewing the plans offered to me.
My current plan premiums went up over 33% so I decided to switch plans for the first time in more than 20 years.

If your company is offering an Open Season, take the

time to closely review the plans offered to you especially in light of several key factors:

1. Will you turn 65 next year? If so, you'll probably be eligible for Medicare and may not need as much coverage?

2. How does the health care reform program impact you?

3. Do you have an adult child under age 26 living with you who might be covered or needs coverage?

4. If you change plans, can you still use the same doctors?

That was very important to me as I didn't want to start over having to find doctors that I like and can trust, so I called each doctor's office to confirm that they will take my new plan. Do this, rather than rely on the medical plan's website as sometimes it's not current.

Check out this website: http://healthcareforamericanow.org/

The key is to make an informed decision about what's best for you at this point in your life, not just hang on to the plan that you've always used