When shopping for goods and services, cost is most often the determining factor. For those preparing to shop for health care coverage, that’s never been more true.
We’ve all felt the impact of inflation on food and gas prices, and these concerns will likely carry into the holiday season as many Tennesseans travel and exchange gifts. As families continue to face high prices, many of us are in the market for health coverage we don’t receive from an employer — and weighing options that fit in our budgets.
For seniors, the Medicare annual enrollment period runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7. For others looking for a plan through the federal health insurance Marketplace, open enrollment runs Nov. 1-Dec. 15 for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2023. (Marketplace open enrollment ends altogether on Jan. 15; later-enrollment coverage begins Feb. 1.)
Those interested in Marketplace plans should first visit healthcare.gov and follow the prompts to see if you qualify for financial assistance (many people do) and to view plans in your area. It’s easy to compare plans. For help finding a plan that fits your needs, you can work with a broker or navigator, or directly with a plan carrier.
On the Medicare side, shoppers should visit ssa.gov to begin enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan. Medicare.gov offers a comparison tool that will let you compare plans offered in your area.
Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns.
Some things to consider
-
Cost considerations include the plan’s monthly premium, copayments or coinsurance for services you use, and the
