CNAPSA)—The time is quickly approaching when millions of Americans should give their health plan an annual check-up. First Health, a national health benefits company, has the following tips to make the most of open enrollment. While selecting a health benefits plan might not top most people’s lists of favorite things to do, it is vitally important, particularly if you work for an emplover who offers you a choice of health plans. Open enrollment is the only time of year that you can make a routine switch from one employerprovided health plan to another. Before or during open enrollment, review your health plan to make sure it offers what you need—and does so at the right cost. To evaluate your plan, make a checklist of your expected medical needs for the coming year. Will there be a planned pregnancy? Are you at an age when you should be having tests for cholesterol, high blood pressure, or cancer? If there is reason to think you will need a special procedure, you should conduct extra research to find out if your current plan covers those needs. Cost mportant, so add up last year’s health care expenses, including monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Did you meet your deductibles? Did co-payr doctors and prescripretch your budget? If your out-of-pocket expenses were too high, consider a plan that will provide the services you need at the right price. But cost alone should not drive your decision-making when it comes to your health insuarance. Make sure that your health plan provides real value and hassle-free service. First Health manages the health benefits plans for many of the country’s largest’ organizations including the Mail Handlers Bene- Five Signs Thal fl’s Time To Change Your Health Plan eo” You must get a referral io see a specialist. Many health plans, especially HMOs, require yau to chogse one primary care dector for your-care. You are then required to get a referral in order to see a specialist and receive benefits. Ciher plans, priraarily PPOs, allow members to see specialists and receive benefits without having to get oerraission first. a You can't get access to Information about provider quality and east Ask your health plan far tools to evaluate yaur area hospitals by the nualiby and salety measures that are important in you. Some health glans oller ineir menibers access to this data via their company Web site. They may alse enable you to research the approximate cost of health care services charped by in-network providers for doctor visits, lab tests and medical procedures. a Your health plan does not “travel well.” Do you lack access to health care professionals that particioate in your plan across the country? Bodtdismiss (his sign as uniniporiant, especially if you travel for- work or-vacationawith-your family. Heyou travel Ps impanant to be able to lind 4 physician where you |l get Ine best coverage wherever and whenever you need one. |i yau have dependent children in- college, check to see i] your plan covers callege students whe live away from honie, as many do rok wy Your questions aren't answered to your satistaction. Dealing with your health olan shouldn't be ditficult, i's best Hf you're able to reach a live customer service representative al any time, day or night, who can answer your questions without tansterring you to anyone else. Heyou have io wade through a contusing menu of cptions ar wail longer than 30 seconds in get a live person and that person is unable in answer your questions, consider switching. ow Getting your claims processed carrectly legis like a nightmare. itis reasonable to expect your health plan to process the majarily of your claims within 14 business days. lf there Is a delay, your health plan should contact you and explain the cause of the delay. Today's leading health plans also offer the option of online assistance via e-mail ‘oraive internet chat, ac well as the ability to cheek claims slatus online at any time. fit Plan, the second largest plan in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. First Health is proud to offer customers 24-hour live member service, quick and accurate claims pro ing, anda commitment to resolving members’ questions and concerns in a single Source: First Health @ phone call. Members may see any doctor they wish without referrals, anytime, including speciali: iB. If you have questions about your health plan, speak to your human resources manager, or visit First Health online at www.firsthealth.com.
