# Picking Insurance Plans with When

## What to Consider When Picking Insurance

There are several things you should consider when picking an insurance plan:

1. **Coverage:** Make sure the plan covers the medical services you and your family need. This might include things like doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care.

2. **Cost:** Consider the monthly premium, as well as any deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance you will be responsible for paying. Make sure you can afford the costs associated with the plan.

3. **Network:** If you have a preferred healthcare provider, make sure they are in the plan’s network. If you see a provider outside of the network, you may have to pay more out of pocket.

4. **Annual limits:** Some plans have limits on the amount they will pay out for your medical expenses in a given year. Make sure the limits are high enough to protect you in the event of a major illness or injury.

5. **Out-of-pocket maximum:** This is the most you will have to pay out of pocket in a given year, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. A lower out-of-pocket maximum can be beneficial if you anticipate high medical expenses.

6. **Prescription drug coverage:** If you or a family member takes prescription drugs regularly, make sure the plan covers those drugs.

7. **Renewability:** Find out if the plan can be renewed and if there are any circumstances under which the insurance company can refuse to renew it.

8. **Customer service:** Consider the insurance company’s reputation for customer service, as you may need to contact them with questions or to file a claim.

9. **Accreditation:** Look for a plan that is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This can be a sign of a high-quality plan.

It’s also a good idea to compare multiple insurance plans and get quotes from different insurance companies before making a decision. This can help you find a plan that meets your needs and budget.

### Where Can I find Health Insurance Plans?

#### Employer

Many employers offer group health insurance plans to their employees. If you are currently employed, you may be able to get health insurance through your job.

#### Your Spouse

If you recently lost your job and your employer sponsored health insurance plan, you may qualify to join your spouse’s health insurance plan during this life event.

#### Government programs

You may be eligible for health insurance through a government program like Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if you have low income or are in a low-income family.

#### Insurance exchanges

You can shop for individual health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the health insurance exchange. The Marketplace is a website where you can compare different health insurance plans and enroll in a plan that meets your needs. The Marketplace is available in every state and the District of Columbia.

#### Insurance Companies

You can also shop for health insurance directly from insurance companies. Some insurance companies sell plans through brokers or agents, while others allow you to purchase a plan directly from their website.

#### COBRA

If you are leaving your job or experiencing a qualifying event, you may be eligible for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), which allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for a limited period of time.

Nobody should feel stuck with COBRA or alone to figure out their health insurance options.

With When, you have a partner to help you find health insurance while in between jobs.