Mitch Lipka: 7 ways for consumers to prepare for the health insurance marketplaces
Submitted By jryan@mcol.com, Created 06/03/2013 - 17:16
- Learn about different types of health insurance. Through the Marketplace, you’ll be able to choose a health plan that gives you the right balance of costs and coverage
- Make a list of questions you have before it’s time to choose your health plan. For example, “Can I stay with my current doctor?” or “Will this plan cover my health costs when I’m traveling?”
- Make sure you understand how insurance works, including deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, etc. You’ll want to consider these details while you’re shopping around
- Start gathering basic information about your household income. Most people will qualify to get a break on costs, and you’ll need income information to find out how much you’re eligible for
- Set your budget. There will be different types of health plans to meet a variety of needs and budgets, and breaking them down by cost can help narrow your choices
- Find out from your employer whether they plan to offer health insurance, especially if you work for a small business
- Explore current options. You may be able to get help with insurance now, through existing programs or changes that are in effect already from the new health care law
Source: MSN Money
Source URL: http://money.msn.com/insurance/article.aspx?post=63732b69-bc...