Navigating Open Enrollment Without the Overwhelm

Angle Health

Open enrollment comes around just once a year, but it can feel like a whirlwind of choices and deadlines. Whether you’ve been with the same plan for years or you’re exploring new options, this is your moment to make decisions that will shape your health and your budget for the year ahead.

‍

The good news? A little preparation can make the open enrollment process a lot less stressful. Here are four simple steps to guideyou through.

1. Look Back at Previous Benefits Before You LookAhead

Start with a quick review of how you used your benefits last year. Did you meet your deductible? How often did you see your primary care provider or specialists? Were prescriptions a big part of your healthcare spending?

‍

Understanding your past usage can help you predict what you might need next year and avoid overpaying for coverage you won’t use.

2. Compare More Than Just the Monthly Premium

It’s tempting to choose the plan with the lowest monthly cost, but the premium is just one part of the picture. Be sure to look at

‍

Deductible amount
Copays for office visits and prescriptions
Coinsurance rates
In-network provider lists

‍

A slightly higher premium could save you money if it means lower out-of-pocket costs when you need care.

3. Use Tools to Make the Open Enrollment Process Easier

Open enrollment can feel like alphabet soup with acronyms like HSA, PPO, and EOB, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Digital tools like the AngleHealth mobile app put plan details, your virtual ID card, and direct access to support right at your fingertips.

‍

Bonus: Take a look at the guide below for a quicklook at common open enrollment terms!

4. Ask Questions Before the Open Enrollment Deadline

If you’re unsure about a plan detail, it’s okay to ask! Your benefits team can clarify coverage, network, and cost questions before you make a decision. With Angle Health’s care team, you can also chat directly in the app or by phone.

‍

Bottom line:

Open enrollment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By reviewing your past usage, comparing all the plan details, taking advantage of available tools, and asking questions early, you can make confident choices that work for your health and your budget.

Open Enrollment Term Quick Guide

Premium - The amount you pay each month for your health insurance, whether or not you use healthcare services.

‍

Deductible- The amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered services before your plan starts to share the cost.

‍

Copay- A fixed amount you pay for a covered service, like a doctor’s visit or prescription, at the time of care.

‍

Coinsurance- The percentage of costs you pay for a covered service after you’ve met your deductible.

‍

Out-of-Pocket Maximum- The most you’ll have to pay for covered services in a plan year. Once you reach this amount, your plan pays100% of covered services.

‍

In-Network Provider- A doctor, hospital, or clinic that has a contract with your health plan to provide services at lower rates.Using in-network providers usually means lower costs.

‍

Out-of-Network Provider- A healthcare provider who is not contracted with your plan. Care from these providers often costs more, sometimes much more.

‍

HSA (Health Savings Account)- A tax-advantaged account you can use to save and pay for qualified medical expenses. Available only with high-deductible health plans.

‍

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)- A type of plan that offers flexibility in choosing providers — you can see in-network or out-of-network providers without a referral, though out-of-network costs more.

‍

EOB (Explanation of Benefits)- A statement from your health insurance company that explains what medical treatments and services were paid for on your behalf, and what you may still owe. It is not a bill.

‍

Preventive Care- Routine healthcare services (like annual check-ups, screenings, and vaccines) that are often covered at no cost to you when provided in-network.