What You Need to Know About Open Enrollment For Health Insurance

It's open enrollment season for choosing a health insurance plan for next year.  Because the cost of health insurance premiums continue to rise, and insurance companies are working harder to find ways to exclude coverage for you, it is important to compare your options before changing health insurance.  But reading insurance policies can be tricky so attorney, Jeffrey I. Ehrlich, an insurance appellate specialist, offers consumer-friendly advice on how to read an insurance policy.

If you need to develop a basic understanding of the health insurance system, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a free, downloadable .pdf document that answers common questions about health insurance.  Included in the document is an insurance glossary and information about network-based plans, non-network based coverage, and consumer-directed health plans.

For more in-depth information about open enrollment and health insurance options, I recommend:

• Expert Advice on Reviewing Your Health Care Options During Open Enrollment
• High Deductible Health Plans and a Health Savings Account
• What is a Health Savings Account?
• All About Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• What is a High Deductible Health Plan?
• Drop the High Cost Health Insurance - Choose a High Deductible Health Plan
• Self-Employed Health Insurance Options