Picking Insurance Plans with When
When is built to help you find and choose a Health Insurance Plan.
What to Consider When Picking Insurance
There are several things you should consider when picking an insurance plan:
- Coverage: Make sure the plan covers the medical services you and your family need. This might include things like doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
- Cost: Consider the monthly premium, as well as any deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance you will be responsible for paying. Make sure you can afford the costs associated with the plan.
- Network: If you have a preferred healthcare provider, make sure they are in the plan’s network. If you see a provider outside of the network, you may have to pay more out of pocket.
- Annual limits: Some plans have limits on the amount they will pay out for your medical expenses in a given year. Make sure the limits are high enough to protect you in the event of a major illness or injury.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the most you will have to pay out of pocket in a given year, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. A lower out-of-pocket maximum can be beneficial if you anticipate high medical expenses.
- Prescription drug coverage: If you or a family member takes prescription drugs regularly, make sure the plan covers those drugs.
- Renewability: Find out if the plan can be renewed and if there are any circumstances under which the insurance company can refuse to renew it.
- Customer service: Consider the insurance company’s reputation for customer service, as you may need to contact them with questions or to file a claim.
- Accreditation: Look for a plan that is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This can be a sign of a high-quality plan.
It’s also a good idea to compare multiple insurance plans and get quotes from different insurance companies before making a decision. This can help you find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
Where Can I find Health Insurance Plans?
Employer
Many employers offer group health insurance plans to their employees. If you are currently employed, you may be able to get health insurance through your job.
Your Spouse
If you recently lost your job and your employer sponsored health insurance plan, you may qualify to join your spouse’s health insurance plan during this life event.
Government programs
You may be eligible for health insurance through a government program like Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if you have low income or are in a low-income family.
Insurance exchanges
You can shop for individual health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the health insurance exchange. The Marketplace is a website where you can compare different health insurance plans and enroll in a plan that meets your needs. The Marketplace is available in every state and the District of Columbia.
Insurance Companies
You can also shop for health insurance directly from insurance companies. Some insurance companies sell plans through brokers or agents, while others allow you to purchase a plan directly from their website.
COBRA
If you are leaving your job or experiencing a qualifying event, you may be eligible for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), which allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for a limited period of time.
Nobody should feel stuck with COBRA or alone to figure out their health insurance options.
With When, you have a partner to help you find health insurance while in between jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What is COBRA?
Who is eligible for COBRA?
Under COBRA, eligible individuals include employees who work for an employer with 20 or more employees and who were previously enrolled in the employer’s group health insurance plan. Additionally, the following individuals may also be eligible for COBRA coverage:
- Spouses and dependent children of employees who were previously covered under the employer’s group health insurance plan and who would otherwise lose coverage due to a qualifying event.
- Retirees who were previously covered under the employer’s group health insurance plan and who would otherwise lose coverage due to a qualifying event.
- Dependent children who were previously covered under the employer’s group health insurance plan and who would otherwise lose coverage due to aging out of the plan.
It’s important to note that not all employees or their dependents will be eligible for COBRA coverage. Additionally, employees who were terminated for gross misconduct may not be eligible for COBRA. Eligibility requirements may vary based on the specific circumstances of each case, so it’s best to consult with a benefits administrator or HR representative to determine if you are eligible for COBRA coverage.