If you are insured through your employer, you can change plans either during your company’s “Open Enrollment” period or when you have a change in family status such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child or a change in the employment status of you or your spouse.

1) Research your health plan options, asking the following questions

• What coverage is available?
• What is the monthly premium?
• What is the deductible?
• How much is the co-payment?
• What local doctors and specialists can you choose?
• What local hospital can you got to?
• What out-of-the-area hospitals and physicians can you access?

2) Choose the plan that best meets your needs and identify the doctor(s) you want to see.

3) Complete your employer’s forms to terminate your existing coverage and enroll in the new plan you have chosen.

At that time, you may be asked to indicate your selection of a “primary care physician.” In an HMO plan, this is the doctor who will coordinate your care.

4) Upon receipt of your health insurance member identification card, begin accessing your care as instructed by the plan.