Tip 4: Check to make sure your medications are covered. Even if you don't expect to change plans, it's important to make sure your prescription drugs will still be covered next year. Costs can change from year to year, and how much you pay for generics vs. brands may differ among health plans.
Tip 5: Ask about well-being programs. Many health plans now offer financial incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, walking, going to the gym or not using nicotine. Also, many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional costs.
Tip 6: Don't forget about specialty benefits. Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, disability or critical illness insurance, are often cost-
effective coverage options that can help protect you and your family from head to toe. For Medicare beneficiaries, some may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn't cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.
Tip 7: Try the convenience of virtual visits. If you are busy juggling kids' schedules or work travel, or simply prefer to connect with a doctor from the comfort of your own home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual visits. It may be a convenient, lower-cost way to talk to a doctor about minor health issues, and all you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer. Often, telehealth is available to members of employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans.
For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment and health care, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.