THREE TIPS FOR CHOOSING A HEALTHCARE PLAN
August 4, 2010
By Suzanne Zionts For FOXBusiness

With health-care reform one of the hot-button issues of the year, many consumers are searching for answers about what the changes will mean when it comes to choosing the right plan.
 
FOXBusiness.com asked Laura Casey, author of “How to Get the Health Care You Want,” for some tips on selecting the perfect fit.

FOXBusiness.com: What should people look for when shopping for new plans?

Casey: Do the math involved in figuring out potential costs for each plan. Figure out what is the worst-of-the-worst total pocket outlay. Figure out for each plan: ‘If I get really sick, how much money will that cost me and my family for a calendar year?’

FOXBusiness.com: What are some things often wrongly overlooked when one is choosing a new plan?

Casey: If you have your doctor already, you want to make sure they are in the network associated with [your new] plan. If not, you need to see if that the plan is broad enough to include doctors where you live. In general, if you pick a major player, their networks are going to be big enough. It costs you a lot more if they are not in the network.

You have to read the fine print as boring as it is. You have to pay attention to what the plan excludes.

FOXBusiness.com: Where do you see the general direction of health care in the future, in terms of choice level?

Casey: I am hoping it is easier [to navigate] ... and more transparent for the consumer, but I still think it is a wait and see.

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