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Avoid Mistakes that Could Cost You

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If you have recently graduated from high school or college and are on your way into the workforce, you've got a lot of important decisions to make — including figuring out your health benefits options — to keep you feeling and looking your best.

Here are 10 tips to avoid common missteps when managing (or not managing) your health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more's offerings:

1. Reevaluate your benefits during key life events like switching jobs or getting married. Click here for more information.
2. Take time for Open EnrollmentOpen Enrollment
A time, often in the fall, when employees choose their health plans for the following year. You typi... more—it's likely the only time you'll have all year to make changes.
3. When you can contribute to a tax—free health account such as a Health Savings Account—go for it.
4. Opt for generic vs. brand name prescription drugsprescription drugs
Medicine that requires a doctor's permission to buy. These drugs are different from over-the-counter... more if possible, they cost less. Click here to read more.
5. Always aim for in-networkin-network
Also called "provider network." A panel of physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals... more docs, hospitals and services. Out-of-networkOut-of-network
Refers to care you receive from doctors and other health care professionals who do not participate i... more means more out of your pocket.
6. If you use your preventive carepreventive care
Programs or services that can help maintain good health (such as annual physical exams or immunizati... more services like annual check-up appointments you may save yourself from paying medical expenses down the road.
7. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
A FSA is an account tied to an employer-sponsored health plan. It can be used to pay for medical exp... more dollars go back to your employer at the end of the term—use it or you'll lose it!
8. Don't forget to get a referralreferral
In some health plans, you must receive a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist ... more before seeing specialists, if you don't you may end up paying!
9. Get pre-authorizationpre-authorization
A health plan's process for approving payment for medical services covered by an individual's benefi... more before surgery so you're not stuck with a bill.
10. Stay on top of your Explanation of Benefits and if things don't match up—speak up through the claims and appeals processappeals process
A process maintained by an employer or health plan that allows an individual to appeal an adverse be... more.

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