By Dr. Greg Carnevale
Dr. Greg Carnevale is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Delaware.
As millions of Americans evaluate their health plan options during open enrollment, a recent survey found that 43% of people regret a health decision they’ve made because of misleading information — and 1 in 5 admit that content creators without medical credentials have influenced their health choices.
Enrollment timing
For people with coverage from their employers, open enrollment typically happens during a two- or three-week period between September and December. For people shopping for individual plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, open enrollment starts Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15 in most states.
This is a crucial time to select optimal health coverage. Here are a few tips that may lead you to better health and cost savings:
- Start early. Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan available to you — including any updates to your current coverage. Look beyond the monthly premium and consider out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
- Demystify the language. Health care terms can be confusing, but resources are available to help. Start with justplainclear.com to support informed decision making.
- Avoid surprise expenses. Before selecting a plan, confirm that your doctor is in-network to reduce costs. Check that your medications are covered — even if you’re not switching plans. Consider using network pharmacies or home delivery for savings. Some plans are designed specifically to manage health care costs.
- Prioritize mental health. Check what mental health services each plan covers, such as in-person and virtual visits, 24/7 mental health support lines and digital self-care tools. Some insurers, like UnitedHealthcare, may provide a wide range of mental health offerings, including tools for in-the-moment support, like Calm Health.
- Don’t overlook extra benefits. Dental, vision, hearing, financial protection and critical-illness coverage may be available and can support your overall well-being.
- Go digital for convenience. If you prefer care from home, choose a plan with 24/7 virtual visits. Digital tools can simplify provider searches and cost comparisons. Today’s health apps offer everything from wellness visits to maternal care — all in one place.
Spotting reliable health advice
There’s a lot of health information online, but not all of it is accurate. Here are three ways to protect yourself from misleading claims:
- Check the source. Is the advice from a doctor or a trusted health group? Does it mention research or cite reputable organizations?
- Watch for red flags. Be cautious of posts that promise quick fixes, use fear tactics or push products without explaining risks.
- Double-check before you act. If something sounds extreme or too good to be true, ask your doctor or look it up on a reputable health site.
Check out the UnitedHealthcare factsheet to clear up the confusion and see how the health care system works.
For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit uhcopenenrollment.com.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
