3 tips to consider when you're picking a plan

Are you choosing a health plan through your employer? Use this checklist to help guide your decision as you determine which plan is right for you.

1. Check to see which providers are in network.

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 SearchOpens a new window 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 SearchOpens a new window to find in network facilities.

·         Is your clinic in the network?

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 easily look up covered facilities.

 

·         Is your clinic in the network?

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 easily look up covered facilities.

 

2. Think about your needs.

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.

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 easily look up covered facilities.

 

·         Is your clinic in the network?

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 easily look up covered facilities.

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.

3. Determine what cost-saving plan works best for you. 

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.

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 easily look up covered facilities.

 

·         Is your clinic in the network?

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 easily look up covered facilities.

 

Read Next

Choosing UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare helps you balance cost and coverage.

Picking a Plan

Choosing UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare helps you balance cost and coverage.

Checklist to pick a plan
Find the right plan for you with this checklist.

Getting married checklist
Decide which plans are right for you and your spouse.

Having a baby checklist
Understand what plan coverage you may need for pregnancy and delivery.

Changing health needs checklist
Consider what plan coverage you may need for your health condition.

Health Insurance Made Easier

Understanding coverage
How to plan for the coverage you need.

Sharing costs
See how you and your plan share costs.

Terms to know
Start talking the talk—and understand what it means for you.