×

(KNSI) — The window for open enrollment remains open until January 15th, and doctors say if patients are having trouble navigating the confusing insurance plan landscape, help is available.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare, says it’s important to set aside time to compare all the available plans and understand your family’s needs.

“Just because you had a certain coverage last year, you might not want to have that coverage roll over. You want to make sure that you’re looking into what your options for 2023 look like.”

Congress extended enhanced subsidies for health insurance premiums, so people who purchase plans under the Affordable Care Act will pay no more than 8.5% of their household income through 2025. Under the ACA, all plans offered on MNsure, which is the state’s healthcare marketplace, must cover things like outpatient care, emergency services hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health, prescriptions, PT, OT, speech language pathology, lab testing, pediatric care and preventative care.

MNsure offers an assister directory, which is where patients can find MNsure-certified brokers or navigators that can lend a hand with free health insurance application and enrollment help.

Dr. Randall says more insurers are expanding their mental health coverage and offering more virtual care options, which gained popularity during the pandemic. She says it’s also important to consider the value of having an integrated plan that covers specialty care, such as hearing, dental or vision, and not discount the importance of good advocacy. “Whether it’s a digital interaction or your calling your health plan to interact, they’re helping you maximize your benefits and services in getting you to the care that you need at the right time.”

More insurance companies are also expanding their wellness incentives. They may offer discounted rates for people who exercise, don’t smoke and work to lower their blood pressure.

Open enrollment is the only time during the year, outside of a special sign-up period, that people can make selections that deal with their current health coverage. For coverage by January 1st, patients have until December 15th to sign up.

___

MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this story.

___

Copyright 2022 Leighton Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.

FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!

FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!

KNSI on Twitter

No feed items available at this time.