If you’ve been bombarded with advertisements enticing you to switch insurance plans during open enrollment, you’re not alone. Follow these five tips to make sure you make informed decisions about your insurance coverage and your healthcare.
November 1, 2024
It’s open enrollment season. Depending on the type of health insurance you have, the specific dates of open enrollment can vary, but for Medicare this period begins October 15, 2024, and ends on December 7, 2024.
This time of year, many people are bombarded with advertisements enticing you to switch plans, offering gift cards or cash rewards for those who change their health insurance plan. But before you make any decisions, it’s important to understand what those changes could mean for your healthcare. Here are five tips to help you make the right decision for you and your family.
Offers from insurance companies can be confusing. If you’re flooded with offers to choose a new insurance plan, remember that, in most cases, just because you can switch plans, it doesn’t mean you have to.
If you’re unsure, be sure to contact your current insurance provider.
Having insurance means you can access preventative care—you don’t have to wait for an emergency. Seeing a health care provider regularly means you’ll be able to make a plan for staying healthy.
People without insurance often wait until they’re in an emergency to seek health. But emergency care is expensive. And worse, it leads to worse health in the long run.
Does your healthcare plan cover care with your preferred provider? Contact your health care provider to find out. Not all health insurance plans advertised in our area cover care from our local providers. If you select one of these plans, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs or be required to travel long distances to get the care you need.
Navigating healthcare coverage can be overwhelming, but help is available. Here are three ways you can get guidance to help you make informed decisions during open enrollment.
Olympic Area Agency on Aging (03A) volunteers offer free one-on-one support through Jefferson County’s local State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program. Call a SHIBA volunteer to get your Medicare questions answered at 1-800-562-6900 or (360) 417-8555.
Local insurance brokers in Jefferson County are knowledgeable about the healthcare plans accepted by local providers, making them valuable resources during open enrollment. Local brokers, such as Kristin Manwaring Insurance, can provide guidance on your options—without any obligation to purchase—so you can make informed choices that best fit your needs. For more information, call 360.385.4400 or visit www.kristinmanwaring.com.*
Jefferson Healthcare’s financial counselors can also help you understand your options. Call us at (360) 385.2271, or visit our financial counseling office at 803 W Park Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
If you’re not sure if you can afford health insurance, there are several options available to you. Health care coverage at a reduced cost is available for most low-income people. Contact SHIBA or a Jefferson Healthcare financial counselor to learn more.
This open enrollment season, take the time to carefully review your options and ensure your chosen plan supports your healthcare needs. For personalized guidance, reach out to local resources like SHIBA, local insurance brokers, or Jefferson Healthcare’s financial counselors for expert advice.
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.
*Disclaimer: Kristin Manwaring Insurance does not offer every plan available in your area. Any information this agent provides is limited to those plans they do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
