Even though choosing a health care plan can be a bit tricky, several factors can point you in the right direction. Premiums are a big factor for choosing a plan, but they are by no means the only factor you should consider. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has four tips that can ensure you get the health care you need with a way to make sure you can afford the costs involved.Deductibles and premiums. As a general rule, the higher the deductible is, the lower the premiums will be. Keeping a low premium based on a high deductible can work to your advantage – or not. A very high deductible may not matter much if you do not even spend enough on annual medical care to meet a lower deductible.If your annual health care needs are typically expensive, however, a lower deductible and higher premium may be a way to save money in the long run. A lower deductible is also helpful in case of emergencies. Calculating your average cost of medical care can help you determine if a lower deductible or lower premium will better serve your needs.Doctors in the network. Most plans offer the lowest doctor visit rates for using a doctor within their network. While visiting medical professionals outside of their plan may be an option, it’s typically an option that will cost you much more out of your pocket. If you already have a doctor you know and trust, picking a health plan that your doctor accepts may be a priority.Services and medications covered. You’ll want to find a plan that takes care of medicines as well as medical services you may need so you’ll get the most out of your health care dollar. For instance, certain health care plans may or may not cover alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, or may limit or not cover visits with mental health professionals.Limited or non-existent coverage may also apply to other specialized services you frequently require. The same goes for medication. Make sure any medications you need are covered under whatever the prescription plan is that’s available. Some health care plans may only cover specific medications while others may not offer any prescription coverage whatsoever.Regardless of how you look at health care, it will cost you money sometime throughout the course of the year. Maximizing the amount of the cost that can be absorbed by the plan while minimizing your premium is a major goal for finding a plan that works for you.
