Changing a Health Care Plan

The decision to change your health care plan can initially seem scary. Several considerations should be taken into accout when changing a health care plan. According to the America's Health Insurance Plans Organization, you should examine costs, coverage types, your current health status and long-term planning.

Costs

• One reason to change health care plans is due to costs. There is a yearly deductible to meet in addition to monthly premiums. Identify how much your yearly deductible amount is and your monthly premiums. Write down your typical monthly medical expenses. If you seldom meet your yearly deductible, the amount of coverage might be too large for your individual or family needs. Consider going with a lower amount of coverage with reduced yearly deductibles.

  Consider staying with your current health care plan if you or your family has a large number of prescriptions or regular doctor visits and you meet your yearly deductibles. Add prescription coverage and hospital coverage if anyone has a long-term illness, such as diabetes. The cost may rise but the out-of-pocket expenses can significantly reduce.

Coverage Types

• Read your health care plan to find out exactly what types of coverage are included. For example, some plans do not cover pregnancy or terminal illness. Some plans cover preventative care. Preventative care is extremely important coverage to have to prevent future illnesses and complications.

  Long-term health coverage is extremely important. As technology and medicine improves, the average life expectancy increases. Your chance of needing long-term health coverage is significantly higher today than it was a decade ago. According to America's Health Insurance Plans, many Americans think they have long-term health coverage but do not. You cannot afford to go without this type of insurance coverage.

Long-Term Planning

• Make a list of family illnesses. Make a list of your current illnesses or health conditions. Younger people should decide if there is the possibility of planning a family in the near future. Examine your health care plan again. Does the health care plan cover the specific needs of your current needs and potential future needs? For example, if you have a history of adult onset diabetes the health care plan should cover diabetic supplies, testing equipment and insulin. If you plan on having a child, the health care plan should cover prenatal care, pregnancy and post-pregnancy care.

  Think about your current situation and your future plans. Long-term planning will enable you to have the right amount and right types of coverage for the future. You don't want to suddenly need to change health care plans. Many don't handle pre-existing conditions. Adjust and change your health care plan to meet your anticipated future health care needs.