Be realistic
You want to look at three costs: your deductible, your maximum out-of-pocket costs, and the premium cost contribution compared to the year before.
Glossary: Understanding health insurance terms
Just because it is the most expensive plan doesn't mean it is the right one for you. Not everyone needs a "Cadillac plan," Harte says. Less than 10% of the population is admitted to the hospital every year.
Preventive health services include immunizations, blood pressure tests, mammograms, mental health services, smoking cessation programs, depression screening, diet counseling, and other services.
Don't get sentimental
A lot of people stick with the kind of plan they've always had out of habit, but your life circumstances change over time. If you've had a new baby you may want one kind of plan that covers those costs. If your children have left home, you may not need as much coverage.
Pick the policy that fits your current needs best.
Understand your options
Employers often offer three types of plans: Point of Service, Preferred Provider Organizations and Health Maintenance Organizations.
If you aren't attached to a particular doctor, you may want to pick the HMO option, which could save you some money. An HMO is typically the cheapest, but you've got to use doctors who are in that program's network. Even if you love your doctor, it doesn't hurt to check to see if he or she is in the HMO network as well.
Stay healthy
It may sound simple, but many people can pick a less expensive plan if they practice good health habits. Preventable illnesses make up 70% of health care costs, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Participate in your company's wellness program. Watch what you eat, exercise, don't smoke, drink less and maintain a proper weight.
Talk to the experts
Don't guess -- find a trusted adviser who can help walk you through the details.
Talk to someone who can explain terms to you or even help you just crunch the numbers. Your benefits person at work or a broker should be happy to help you figure out the plans and what's available.
For more information
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/03/health/health-care-open-enrollment/
