HispanicBusiness

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/08/12 -- Today eHealthInsurance (NASDAQ: EHTH), America's first and largest private health insurance exchange, released a checklist designed to help people with employer-sponsored health insurance choose the right plan for their personal needs and budget during this year's open enrollment season.

Open enrollment is the period when workers receiving health insurance and other benefits from their employers are asked to make personal coverage selections for the coming year. For many employers and employees, open enrollment for the 2013 calendar-year will occur between October and December 2012.

"Choosing the right health insurance plan isn't easy, even for those offered coverage through an employer" said Gary Matalucci, eHealthInsurance Vice President of Customer Care. "As the cost of employer-sponsored plans increases, some consumers may wonder how to stretch their dollars. At eHealthInsurnace, we encourage consumers to carefully review all their coverage options to find the best match for their needs. We've prepared this year's checklist to help during the decision process."

A printable PDF version of the checklist can be downloaded here or from eHealthInsurance's Media Center.

eHealthInsurance Open Enrollment Checklist

Premium Increases -- First, check to see if your share of the monthly premium for employer-based health insurance is increasing. That's the amount of money taken directly from your wages. If you can't afford the premium for your current plan, consider less expensive coverage options from your employer or an individually-purchased plan.

Deductibles, Copays and Out-of-pocket Costs -- Since your real health care costs are about more than just monthly premiums, check to see if the prescription drug or office visit copayments have changed for your health insurance plan. Look at the annual deductible too, and your annual out-of-pocket maximum. Some employers keep rising premiums in check by increasing your liability in other cost-sharing categories.

Changes to Your Benefits -- Will you still receive the same level of coverage as last year for prescription drugs, hospital or lab services, and other benefits? Employers often re-negotiate terms during open enrollment which may result in changed benefits. If you're sticking with the same plan, find out if your coverage levels have changed.

Discontinued Health Plans -- If your 2012 health insurance plan is being discontinued in 2013, find out if your company offers any other coverage options - especially if you or a dependent have a pre-existing medical condition.