4 Reasons to Update Your Health Insurance Plan

Health insurance is often something many people don’t think about until they have to. However, health insurance plans really start to matter when an unexpected health emergency or large medical bill comes up. It’s important to do your research and make sure you choose the health insurance plan that is right for you and your family because thinking ahead before a health emergency comes along can save you a ton of money down the road. Find health insurance that fits your lifestyle, and don’t just default into the same plan you’ve chosen year after year. Here’s the top four reasons to update your health insurance before January.

1. It’s important to bring in the new year with the right health care plan. The most important resolution you make this year should be for your health – and it shouldn’t be to go on that diet you never keep or to buy a gym membership that you probably won’t end up using as much as you thought you would. The biggest way you can help you and your family’s health is by researching your health care options and updating your health insurance plan. Going into the New Year with a good health care plan can save you from major health expenses down the road, and you’ll be relieved you got it out of the way early.

2. Defaulting into the same plan can be a mistake for certain people. Times change, and your health insurance should too. As you get older, move into a new career path, or gain a family, you have different health insurance needs. It’s important to find health insurance that is appropriate for your current circumstances. There is no better time than the beginning of the year to reassess your current needs and update your healthcare plan for the coming year. Do it now, before it’s too late. Important reminder: if you have a pre-existing condition, be careful when switching policies as policies may have a waiting period or exclusion for such conditions.

3. Many companies and businesses have health insurance deadlines that come soon after January 1. Be prepared by updating your health insurance ahead of time so that you will be prepared by your company’s deadline. Make sure and research all of your options so that you aren’t caught off guard.

4. Come January 1, 2014, big changes will be made to national health care. Start preparing now so that you aren’t caught off guard. Major parts of the Affordable Care Act will officially go into effect on this date, so be sure you have done your research and updated your health insurance in advance to prepare for the changes to come in the next year.