How Not to Choose a Health Plan

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – open enrollment!

Just kidding, of course. No doubt your clients or employees react with a big groan when they hear that it’s time once again to choose a health plan.

That’s why I’m going to inject a little fun into the process! I’ve decided to be that guy in your break room who loudly offers unsolicited advice about something he knows nothing about – in this case, about health plans. Here’s what THAT guy recommends to folks facing open enrollment:

1.     Choose the cheapest plan – no matter what. Do not compare benefits, out-of-pocket costs, premiums, coverage for family members, changing healthcare needs, an extensive and local provider network, or anything else.

2.     Handle it yourself. Do not consult a broker or HR representative. Who needs expert advisors who can steer you to a plan that fits your needs?

3.     Avoid communication. Don’t check out a website describing health plans. Without reading them, throw away newsletters and delete emails about health plan choices. Avoid information meetings and health fairs (unless they’re giving away nice sticky note pads).

4.     Don’t bother to check out the reputation of any health plan. You’re not likely to have any questions or issues during the coming year, right? Who cares if they’re difficult to work with, unresponsive, unknowledgeable, and ineffective?

5.     Coast along with the status quo. Just renew what you had the year before (if it’s still available!). What are the chances there’ve been any changes?

Of course, health coverage is not funny and no one should roll the dice. I seriously recommend that you, as a broker advising clients or as an HR representative advising employees, tell them to do the opposite of what our pal in the break room recommends.

And, be sure to check in with Western Health Advantage at our page for small businesses or call 888.449.3198 for advice on how to proceed for next year. We have made the health plan marketplace more competitive in 13 Northern California counties (including new ones like San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa) and you and your clients could benefit.

Garry Maisel is the President and CEO of Western Health Advantage. For more information about WHA, visit westernhealth.com.