WASHINGTON (7News) -- Millions of Americans are gearing up to evaluate their health plan options this fall during the annual open enrollment season. Alarmingly, over half of millennials, now the largest group in the workforce, admit they don't understand their health insurance benefits. Experts say that a lack of understanding can result in people missing out on plans that might better suit their needs and offer potential cost savings. Anton de Roo, Vice President of Sales and Account Management at UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic joined Good Morning Washington to offer tips on how to pick the right health plan for you.
Open enrollment is the time each year when millions of Americans across the country have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for the upcoming year. Each person and family have unique health and budget needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a health plan. Enrollment periods aren't the same for everyone, so there are key dates to keep in mind depending on your situation. Over 153 million people with employer-provided coverage can choose health insurance for 2025 during September and December. For those eligible for Medicare, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs October 15th through December. 7th each year, and coverage selections made during the fall will begin on January 1st, 2025.
There are resources to help. Start by visiting JustPlainClear.com, where you will find a glossary to help you make informed decisions. If you're a Medicare member or a caregiver, MedicareMadeClear.com can be helpful. To pick the right plan be sure to check more than just the monthly premium but also understand what your potential out-of-pocket costs might be. Make sure your doctor is your plan's provider network and that your medications will be covered by the plan you choose for next year. Be sure to check for mental health coverage and don't forget about specialty benefits -- those include dental, vision, and hearing insurance. You will also want to consider a plan with 24/7 virtual care.
More and more plans now offer digital health solutions - from wellness visits to weight loss and maternal health care. Many insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare, offers its members a mobile app to help manage their coverage -- enabling everything from reviewing claims to accessing rewards to refilling prescriptions. For more information be sure to visit www.UHCOpenEnrollment.com for tips, and other resources on plans in your area.