Navigating health insurance for the first time can be intimidating. Here's a quick guide of common coverage options and how to choose the plan that fits your life and your budget.
Getting your own health insurance is a big milestone like getting your first job and moving into your own place. But with so many plans and terms to navigate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way toward protecting your health and your wallet.
Understanding your options and what factors matter most can give you confidence as you make a choice. Let's take a look at what you should think about as you prepare to enroll in insurance.
While health insurance for young adults often comes from employer-provided coverage, there are other ways to get an insurance plan.
Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults can stay on a parent's health insurance plan until they're 26 years old.
If you're a student, you may have access to health care coverage through your college or university.
You can also join your spouse's employer-sponsored health insurance plan. In some cases, employers may also offer domestic partner health insurance as a voluntary benefit.
Marketplace insurance for young adults can also be an option. If you're self-employed or not covered by employer coverage or a parent’s plan, health insurance can be purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Once you know the right way for you to get your health insurance, it's time to start comparing plans available to you. You should consider a few key factors that will impact your wallet and access to care, including:
- Health care needs: Knowing the medical expenses or care needed for chronic conditions can help you choose a plan that balances your costs with access to the right doctors.
- Premiums: This is your monthly bill to keep your insurance. If you get your insurance through an employer, this normally comes out of your paycheck automatically.
- Deductibles: This is how much you'll pay out of pocket until the insurance company begins to cover more portions of your care the rest of the year.
- Networks: See what doctors are in-network with the insurance company and plan that you choose. Care from in-network doctors typically costs less than out-of-network doctors.
- Out-of-pocket costs: This is the amount you'll be responsible for paying after insurance has paid its part.
Be sure to submit your selection on time. Confirm your choice by the end of your open or special enrollment period, or you could lose coverage eligibility.
Here are some other tips for first-time enrollees:
- Understand your plan's Summary of Benefits to see how your coverage applies to the care you use most.
- Explore online tools and resources to help you answer questions like "Is my doctor in-network?"
If you lose your job, change employers, or experience another type of life event that affects your insurance eligibility, you will need to secure new coverage.
Your HR department can help update your coverage, while an insurance broker can guide you through Health Insurance Marketplace options as you decide your next steps.
Get reliable answers to your insurance questions, such as how to get prior authorization and submitting a claim.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
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