Health care has been a hot topic around the web and in the news lately thanks to all the health care changes from the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). While I’ve been lucky in that my health insurance hasn’t changed (other than some increase in my premium), lots of people’s insurance plans have changed drastically.
I had to go to the doctor’s office for a check-up just after the first of the year and I was asked a whole series of questions that I’ve never been asked before when I got up to the front desk to check in. One of the questions they asked me was “has your health insurance plan changed since your last visit?”
Since I was able to tell them that my plan hasn’t changed, I was checked in and on my way back to see the doctor in just a few short minutes, but another patient that day was not so lucky.
A gentleman I know from my community was also at the doctor’s office that day. Unfortunately, his insurance was subject to a number of changes that went into effect January 1st, including which providers were and were not acceptable to use. The doctor’s office he’d been visiting for a number of years now had to turn him away because they no longer accept his insurance.
Knowing the all the ins and outs of the new health care and insurance changes can be extremely difficult, but it’s also extremely important that you understand your rights. Knowing what is covered and what isn’t covered under your health insurance can save you time, money, and possibly even a headache.
The UHC website has a large compilation of video and other resources to help you educate yourself about the changes to do with the health care reform.
Overview
This video gives a brief overview of the health care reform in general and what has changed since it was first passed a year ago.
Open Enrollment
Luckily, if you are unsatisfied with your current plan of health insurance, the open enrollment period is still taking place through February 15, 2015. Here is some information to help you decide which health insurance plan will best fit your needs. Don’t forget to make sure which doctors and health care clinics in your area accept each insurance plan so you don’t end up like the guy I ran into the doctor’s office earlier this month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igp97pWt6pc&list=PL70F9953E8D57FC42&index=33
How Much Will it Cost?
Now that you’ve learned more about how to compare different plans of insurance as far as what they cover, make sure you understand what the plans you are interested in will cost you. All the plans on the open exchange have premiums and deductibles that can vary widely from plan to plan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNN_WnKD3Kg&list=PLdbL2qUHmKhZ8UAxAIbNYjosq7PfkJ3V7&index=11
These are not the only questions you should be asking yourself as the open season for health insurance enrollment comes to a close this year. It’s important that you take the time to fully understand your current plan, what changes you may be faced with, and what else is available on the open market.
Which part of the health care reform do you find most confusing?
