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Step 1
Determine if an HMO (health maintenance organization) works for you. An HMO sets rules, practices and prices that doctors must agree to, to be part of that HMO.
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Step 2
Some people like HMOs and some HMOs despise HMOs. Each HMO has their own set of rules. If a specific HMO's rules are acceptable to you, consider that HMO.
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Step 3
Make sure the doctors that are important to you accept the health insurance that you want.
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Step 4
Ask yourself which areas of health coverage are important to you. If you receive care for emotional issues, for example depression, make sure your policy provides acceptable coverage. Some policies place a limit on the number of doctor visits per year that they will pay for concerning this type of medical treatment.
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Step 5
If weight manage is a concern, check for policies that offer weight loss incentives. Some policies offer discounts or credits for health club memberships or for weight loss programs.
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Step 6
Consider policies that provide incentives for preventive health maintenance. Preventive maintenance reduces your chances of getting a heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc. These measures not only save insurance companies money, they provide you better health and a longer life!
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Step 7
If alternative health practices are important to you, see which policies offer incentives for yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and other types of alternative health measures.
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Step 8
Understand your plan's prescription policy. Some policies will substitute a generic unless your prescription specifically states "No Substitutes." If this is a concern, find a policy that puts your mind at ease.
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Step 9
Make sure the prescription deductible works for you. Do you have one prescription per month? Five? Ten?
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Step 10
Does your pharmacy accept the policy you want?
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Step 11
Purchasing a health insurance policy is an important decision. A lower monthly premium is not a bargain if it doesn't work when you most need it!
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Step 12
Do your homework. Make an intelligent choice!
