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BEING A WISE HEALTH CARE CONSUMER BEGINS
WITH UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEEDS AND BENEFITS

• Maximizing a Significant Financial Investment

SHELTON , CONN. – More than 20 million Americans do not receive their health insurance benefits through employers or other organizations, but purchase them directly from brokers and insurers.  As the economy continues to slow, more individuals will find themselves looking for short- and long-term health care coverage solutions for themselves and their families on the open market. 

Since most individuals have never purchased their own health care coverage, here are some helpful hints from Health Plan One, a leading online health insurance broker, on choosing a health plan and getting the most out of your health care benefits.  First, you’ll need a piece of paper to write down what you need, what you want and how much you can afford to pay for monthly plan premiums and any other payments, like co-pays and deductibles.

Know what you need – How healthy am I?  What health issues do I have or possibly foresee over the next year?  Am I due for a well visit and preventive care screenings?  What prescription drugs am I on?  Do I have allergies?  Do I need vision and dental care?  Will I need physical therapy?  Am I in a current course of treatment?  Do I need a case manager to help me control a chronic condition?  Do I need to stop smoking, lose weight and/or get more exercise?

Know what you want – Do I like to use complementary and alternative therapies, such as massage therapy and acupuncture?  Do I want to set aside money throughout the year to spend on health care purchases?  Am I willing to get a referral to see a specialist?  Am I willing to change my physicians to go “in network”?

Now that you know what you need and want, research health insurance carriers in your region.  Contact a local insurance broker.  Visit the individual Web sites for health insurers offering coverage in your area.  Or use Web comparison tools like www.healthplanone.com to analyze multiple providers simultaneously.

“Picking a health insurance policy that meets your health and financial needs is a balancing act,” said Bill Stapleton, chief executive officer of Health Plan One, which provides information on health insurers throughout the country.  “Premium plans come at a premium price so aim high but be willing to make compromises based on what you are willing to pay and what benefits you are willing to live without.”

When you receive your benefits package, take a few moments to review your benefits and determine how you are going to maximize your health care investment. 

Know what you have – Make a list of all the benefits that come with your plan and determine what benefits you are going to use and how.  Take advantage of preventive care visits, discount programs on gyms and other health-related offerings.  Have an HSA (health savings account) or FSA (flexible spending account)?  Decide how you are going to use these accounts.

“This is a worthwhile time investment for anyone with health insurance.  Too often, we file the paperwork away and take it out only after we have been denied services.  Not only can this be costly, but we frequently do not utilize all the benefits we are paying for,” said Stapleton.  “Buying health insurance is a significant financial investment and like any other investment, individuals should look to maximize it.”

Founded in 2005, Health Plan One is a licensed health insurance agency and a leading online health insurance market, offering the broadest selection of health insurance plans to individuals, small business owners and Medicare recipients.  Through its comprehensive web sites, which include health plan comparison tools and extensive educational information, and its enhanced customer service model, individuals can purchase the best health plans to meet their healthcare coverage and affordability needs.  For more information, visit www.healthplanone.com for individuals, families and small business owners; and www.medicaresolutions.com for Medicare-eligible individuals.

CONTACT:     Maria Gordon Shydlo  (914) 682-2172