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It's the time of year when many companies across the country hold open enrollment periods for their group health insurance plans. The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) provides the tips on this page to help you make the best choice of the options available for you and your family.
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Open enrollment refers to the period of time during which all members of your group health insurance plan have the opportunity to enroll in certain benefit programs. During an open enrollment period, insurance carriers are required to accept all applicants of the group without underwriting or evidence of insurability. Open enrollment is generally only held once a year. If you miss your company's annual open enrollment, you likely will not be able to enroll in your employer-sponsored health insurance program until next year. Certain exceptions apply for new employees or employees with life changing events.
Make sure to check with your human resources department to see when your company's open enrollment period begins and ends, and when your policy goes into effect.
There are many different types of major medical plans typically offered by employers. For help understanding the fundamental differences between preferred provider organizations (PPO), health maintenance organizations (HMO), point of service plans (POS) or indemnity plans, go to the NAIC insurance education Web site, www.InsureUonline.org and click on the life situation that most closely matches your own. The health section includes basic information about each type of program. Plan materials will detail which medical providers (physicians, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, etc.) are considered in-network and out-of-network. They will also detail how much the insurance carrier will pay under each type of plan.
Before making a choice:
In this uncertain market, it's important to carefully evaluate your healthcare costs when making your annual enrollment decisions. While one option might have high monthly premiums and a low deductible, and another might have a low premium but more out-of-pocket expenses, it could be misleading which plan is best for you until you do the figures. To pick the best coverage, first calculate your healthcare costs from recent years and try to estimate what your costs might be for the coming year. Don't forget to include the cost of doctor's visits, daily medications and any procedures you might be planning. Next, make a list of the premiums, out-of-pocket expenses and benefits under each plan. Co-payments, deductibles and additional charges for wellness care or specialists (e.g. chiropractic care, cosmetic surgery, etc.) are examples of out-of-pocket expenses that you are responsible to pay. Remember, if you use a medical provider that is out-of-network, you will generally pay more out-of-pocket expenses. Include these fees in your calculations. Finally, decide how much you can afford to pay.
Other things to keep in mind:
Once enrolled in a health plan, you will not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period, unless there is a life changing event such as divorce, a job change, marriage or the birth or adoption of a baby. If you do not receive insurance cards and/or enrollment information, contact your HR administrator, or call the insurance company. If you have questions about the insurance company or the information you should receive from them following your enrollment, contact the Mississippi Insurance Department. Please see the Request Assistance Page for information on how to contact us. For more information about your changing insurance needs and tips for choosing the coverage that is best for you and your family, visit www.InsureUOnline.org.
