Health Care Dilemma

Thank you Yahoo for keeping up with current issues.  One of the latest internet blurbs was about how to decide on the correct health care for you.  (On the same night that this topic was part of our class discussion.) They made 12 points to consider. “1. Check for grandfather exemptions.  2. Decide which plan type best meets your needs. 3. Identify changes before re-enrolling. 4. Make adjustments to your current plan or consider switching. 5. Factor in your favorite doctors. 6. Size up the cost. 7. Don't get lured by those new freebies. 8. Consider opening an account for your healthcare expenses. 9. Check out the prescription coverage. 10. Take advantage of wellness incentives. 11. Don't forget to reconcile your spouse's coverage with your own. 12. Plan for the worst.”   “There are generally three types of plans: health maintenance organizations (HMO), preferred provider organizations (PPO) and point-of-service plans (POS). An HMO requires that you use physicians within a specific network, giving you less flexibility but a more affordable cost. A PPO allows you to stay in-network or go out of network for a heftier fee; out-of-pocket costs are usually higher for PPO's than for HMO's. POS plans combine elements of HMO's and PPO's. They give you the option to pay more for venturing out of network, but usually require you to choose a primary care physician within the network and get a referral from that physician before seeing any specialist.” 

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/healthcare/how-choose-health-insurance-plan-12-helpful-tips  Health insurance can be so complicated to understand which one to choose and which is the right one for you.  I think, from listening to what so many others have done throughout the years that sometimes you have to change and try different ones after you weigh out the benefits and down-sides to really know which is actually best for your individual situation.  Doctor choice, deductibles, co-pays, in-service, out of service, referral, perscriptions, dental, eye coverage, specialists, hospitalization, what is covered, what is not covered, where you can or cannot go, …..”lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” (Wizard of Oz)  It can get quite confusing.  The best thing I have found is ask others how they like the plan/provider, what they found beneficial and what they do not like about a plan.  If you have a primary doctor you like you could ask him with your situation what plan he thinks would suit your needs.  Put the information together and attempt to make the best decision and if it does not work as you hoped you can always switch the following year during open enrollment.  We must also try to foresee any possible problems or hereditary issues that may occur and need attention.  I would say the best bet is to try to lead a healthy life and stay healthy to avoid as many disparities as possible.  (Easier said than done sometimes.)