Kansas consumers making choices on health insurance during open enrollment should look at more than just price in considering their options, according to Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance.

“Those choosing a new health plan for coverage beginning January 1, 2017, have many considerations to review,” Commissioner Selzer said.  “While the cost of the health plan is very important, so are other items. Are your medical providers—doctors, hospitals and other health care providers—within the plan’s network? Also, be aware that networks can vary within the same company. And, know the health conditions that you or your family have.”

The Kansas Insurance Department (KID) encourages health care consumers looking for coverage this fall and winter to consider the following before making a health plan selection. 

Make a list of the personal information for yourself and family, including Social Security Numbers, bank account information and the amount of income from your W-2 form.

Talk to your doctors, other providers or your insurance company to make sure medical providers are part of the insurance health plan network. Also check with hospitals and other providers such as labs, specialty physicians or facilities.

Review your financial condition. Are you able to pay the deductible at your providers' offices, and how much are you comfortable paying? Do you want a health insurance plan with low or high deductibles and copays? Remember, a low deductible will increase your monthly premiums, while a high deductible will have lower monthly premiums.

Assess your prescription drug requirements, including name (brand or generic) and dosage. Does the health insurance plan you are considering cover your required drugs?

Know that if you purchase a health insurance policy through the federal marketplace, your cost may be reduced if you are eligible for tax credits or subsidies. Those credits are not available if you buy insurance off the marketplace as an individual, or purchase your insurance through your employer.

Realize if you receive a tax credit from the federal marketplace, you will be required to file a federal tax return in order to stay eligible for the credit in the future. There are also federal penalties if you do not have coverage. Go to www.healthcare.gov  for more information.

Evaluate your health needs. Do you have any chronic health conditions? Does the health insurance policy’s network include your doctors and hospitals?

Evaluate the policy after you have received it to make sure it is the policy that you want.

Enlisting help? If you need to verify that an agent is licensed to sell health insurance products in Kansas, contact the Kansas Insurance Department. 

For more in-depth information, read the KID’s “2017: Overview of the Health Insurance Market in Kansas,” which is located on the department’s website at http://www.ksinsurance.org/documents/healthlife/health/KID-Issue-Brief.pdf.

“Getting the health insurance you need means taking personal responsibility to learn about the subject and then apply it to your situation,” Commissioner Selzer said. “If you need assistance, however, look to our Consumer Assistance Division at the insurance department (800-432-2484) for answers to general health insurance questions, or use our online chat feature at www.ksinsurance.org .”