Open enrollment is here; Michiganders refresh health care plans

Open enrollment time is here - a brief window for Michiganders and folks nationwide to update their health insurance choices.

Healthcare experts emphasize the important tips to remember when evaluating a health plan, such as making sure your doctor is in-network to avoid big out-of-pocket expenses. Also, many healthcare plans reward you for making healthier choices, like completing health assessments and avoiding nicotine. And if you're on Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans include gym memberships.

Alyson Ramos, a Medicare specialist with the Valley Area Agency on Aging in the Flint region, provides one key update for Medicare enrollees.

"For prescription drugs, there will be an out-of-pocket maximum, that's the first time that's ever happened. That out-of-pocket maximum will be $2,000," she said. "So, they have had out of pocket expense before, but it was, 'Pay into it this much, and then you'll reach the cap.'"

Also, open enrollment dates vary. Medicare is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Employer-sponsored plans typically allow changes for several weeks between September and December. And open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace plans runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 in most states.

While many focus on finding a plan that supports their physical health, experts stress that it is crucial to ensure strong mental health coverage, as well.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said there's a growing interest in mental health care and it's best to look for plans that offer a variety of options.

"Things that range from self help, digital services, virtual behavioral health visits with licensed mental health professionals, maybe coaching associated with that, as well as your more traditional in-person behavioral health visits," she said.

Randall noted virtual care is popular across all age groups - and some plans even offer virtual behavioral health services with zero co-pay.