Published: November 29, 2022
I’m Healthy – What Individual Plan is Right for Me?
Even if you are healthy and see a doctor infrequently, having a health plan is still important as a safety net against life’s unexpected events (or accidents) that can cost thousands of dollars in medical bills. But with a health plan, depending on whether you’ve met your out-of-pocket maximum and annual deductible (if applicable), the amount you pay is a relatively small percentage.
Factors to consider when choosing a plan:
Premium. Your monthly rate to have a health plan. It’s a balance based on how much you think you may need/use. For example, some Bronze plans usually offer the lowest monthly premium, but you will share costs with your plan at a higher percentage. The opposite is true with Gold plans, which generally have a higher premium, but cover a higher percentage of your costs as you use your benefits.
Network. When you choose a WHA HMO, you get more flexible care choices with six medical groups to choose from. Find our network partner brochures, videos, and distinctions for the following: Dignity Health’s Mercy Medical Group and Woodland Clinic; Hill Physicians; NorthBay Health; Meritage Medical Network; and Providence – Northern California.
High Deductible Health Plans. Some people consider a high-deductible health plan, where you are responsible for all your medical expenses until you meet your deductible. So, if you are healthy and have few health care expenses, it may be an option for you. But if there is an unexpected medical expense due to injury/accident, it means you have to cover most of the health care costs until your deductible is met. This is where the Health Savings Account (most WHA plans have Health Equity HSA) comes in handy because you can use the money you save to cover your qualified medical expenses. Learn more about HDHPs at these resource links: WHA’s Winning with HealthEquity HSA; HealthEquity’s e-book, Top 10 Ways to Use an HSA; and WHA’s Advantage article, Why Choose a High Deductible Plan is a quick read on when someone would consider this type of plan.
* Integrated HealthEquity HSAs are available with group and individual HDHPs sold directly with WHA. CalChoice and Covered CA plans are excluded.
Steps to Take:
- Browse WHA’s available health plans online at choosewha.com, or review our individual plan comparison brochure.
- Want to talk through choices? Call WHA’s individual sales team at 916.563.2250 or 888.563.2250 toll-free and we’ll help you choose a plan for you (and your family) that fits your budget and health situation.
- Dates to Note: Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2022 – through January 31, 2023. If you need coverage by January 1, 2023, you’ll need to enroll by December 31, 2022.