#92 - How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan

It's that time of year again—open enrollment is here! Don't worry, we're here to help you choose the best health insurance for you and your family.

Lacey Varnon from the National Association of Medication Access and Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA) is back with Dr. Gupta and Kortney to discuss everything you need to consider when selecting a health insurance plan. This episode is all about understanding health insurance during open enrollment, from picking the right type of plan to ensuring your coverage fits your specific needs.

We cover essential aspects of open enrollment health insurance, including networks, premiums, copayments, and long-term medication coverage, so you can feel confident you're choosing a plan that works for you.

What We Cover in Our Episode on Open Enrollment Health Insurance:

• Key Factors to Consider: Lacey explains the importance of listing your doctors, diagnoses, and medications to ensure they're covered.
• Understanding Premiums, Deductibles, and Networks: Gain insight into how these elements impact your out-of-pocket costs and access to care.
• Plan Types – HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS: We break down each type of plan, including pros and cons, to help you decide which suits your healthcare needs.
• Special Considerations for Pharmacy Benefits and Long-Term Medications: Lacey offers advice on accessing necessary medications through your health plan or alternative methods if they are not covered.
• Navigating Open Enrollment with Family Needs in Mind: Tips on choosing a plan that considers your family member's medical needs and how you've used insurance in the past.

More resources about health insurance: 

• Health Insurance Coverage in the United States
• Why was my prescription denied by insurance?
• Health Insurance for Asthma and Allergies
• Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan
• Navigating Insurance Denials and Filing Appeals
• NAMAPA: National Association for Medication Access and Patient Advocacy
• Medication Access Network

This episode is made in partnership with the Allergy & Asthma Network and in collaboration the National Association of Medication Access and Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA). We thank Amgen for sponsoring this episode.