Informed choices can help cut health insurance costs

By Kristen Consillio

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Sep 30, 2012

~~<p>Question: Full-time workers in Hawaii have an opportunity to make changes to their health plans during open enrollment beginning next month. How can workers get their money’s worth from their health insurance benefits?</p>
<p>Answer: Due to Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act, Hawaii employees are fortunate to have extensive benefits offered through their employer plan, and the health care benefits are similar. However, people can make choices regarding the degree of cost-sharing in the plan. If you take a higher deductible or co-payment, you will pay more out of pocket on your medical bill, but your health insurance premiums will be lower. It is also important that you obtain medical care and treatment from network or participating providers to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.</p>
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Question: Full-time workers in Hawaii have an opportunity to make changes to their health plans during open enrollment beginning next month. How can workers get their money’s worth from their health insurance benefits?

Answer: Due to Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act, Hawaii employees are fortunate to have extensive benefits offered through their employer plan, and the health care benefits are similar. However, people can make choices regarding the degree of cost-sharing in the plan. If you take a higher deductible or co-payment, you will pay more out of pocket on your medical bill, but your health insurance premiums will be lower. It is also important that you obtain medical care and treatment from network or participating providers to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Login for more...