1. Medical Care

Choosing Health Plans


Know Your Options

  1. •If you get health insurance through work, find out what health plan choices are offered. Get information from the employee benefits office and/or from the insurance companies. Find out the time of year when you can join or change health plans. Even if an employer gives only one health plan choice, find out what the health plan provides. Find out what you need to do to get the health care that you and family members need.

An insurance broker can recommend health plan options.

  1. •If you do not get health insurance through work, find out about health insurance from:

  2. -An insurance broker. This person can assess your needs and recommend a health plan to purchase on your own.

  3. -Professional organizations and social or civic groups that offer health plans to members.

  4. -Your state’s Health Department, Department of Community Health, or State Medicaid Office (for some low-income and disabled people).

  1. •Find out if you are eligible for Medicare. Contact 800.MEDICARE (633.4227), your local Social Security Administration, or access www.medicare.gov on the Internet.