3 tips to consider when you're picking a plan

Finding a doctor that’s in network may help keep costs lower. Check each plan’s network to see who is covered or if there is partial coverage for going out-of-network. If you’re considering a UnitedHealthcare plan, use the Provider Search to find in network providers.

Finding a clinic or facility that’s in network may help keep costs lower. Check each plan’s network to see if they’re covered or if there is partial coverage for going out-of-network. If you’re considering a UnitedHealthcare plan, use the Provider Search to find in network facilities.

If mostly for minor care needs:

You may need less coverage if you see the doctor occasionally for your annual checkup, minor illness or injury. To save money, you might choose the less expensive plan where you pay less in premiums in exchange for less coverage.

If mostly for major or frequent care needs:

You may need more coverage if you’re planning for a major procedure, seeing the doctor often or take specialty medications. To save money overall, this typically means paying more in premiums in exchange for more coverage from your plan. These plans usually have a lower deductible and out-of-pocket limit so that your plan can help you share costs faster.

Research what your care needs could cost on average, and consider choosing a plan with a lower deductible and out-of-pocket limit so that your plan can help you share costs faster.

Whether you’re taking regular prescriptions or specialty medications, what they cost varies based on each plan. Check to see if the plan covers generic and brand name versions of the medication. Also make sure you receive your medications from a pharmacy that’s in network, otherwise they may not be covered or you may pay more.

Generally, the more people you have on your health plan, the more coverage you may want. Consider the needs of all family members covered by your plan.

If you don’t have any major care needs, you can save money by finding a plan that charges a lesser premium. This means, the plan will take less out of your paychecks to pay for insurance. Compare your plan options to see which plan’s premium amount requires you to pay the least.

To find a plan that helps you save money paying for care services, consider each plan’s copays to visit the doctor. In addition, compare each plan’s deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket limit to see which plans help you share costs faster. Researching these costs and understanding how you and your plan share costs together also helps you avoid cost surprises later.