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November 25, 2004 06:03 AM

Use Open Enrollment To Review Health-Insurance Plan


Excerpt: It's important to examine your health-insurance options every year during open enrollment whether you plan to change your health plan or not, says Linda Schofield, an independent health consultant and president of Schofield Consulting.


In the midst of holiday shopping, end-of-year tax saving steps and other seasonal activities, don't forget to review your health-insurance plan during your company's open enrollment period.

It's important to examine your health-insurance options every year during open enrollment whether you plan to change your health plan or not, says Linda Schofield, an independent health consultant and president of Schofield Consulting.

Open enrollment, which usually occurs during November and December, is when many companies allow their employees to sign up for health benefits or reselect their health care plan.

"People need to recognize that they have a choice of plans, and not all plans are alike," Schofield says. She recommends that you ask yourself three things during open enrollment:

1. Are the services, providers and medications that I use covered? Schofield says most people check services and providers, but forget to check medications. Make sure the prescription medications you use are covered, especially if you have a chronic illness or other condition that requires constant medication.

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