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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Open enrollment means researching your healthcare options

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Tuesday, September 26, 2023   

Missourians have plenty of choices when it comes to health insurance coverage - and it's time to gear up for making those decisions. For people on Medicare, and who have Medicare Advantage plans, they can make changes to their coverage beginning October 15th. For people with private insurance, the window for changes opens November 1st. And for employer-sponsored health plans, the dates vary by employer.

Louise Norris, health policy analyst for healthinsurance.org, said it is vital not to let this time slip past without doing some research.

"Not ignore your open enrollment period. Open enrollment is really your chance to sort of fine-tune your coverage," she said. "It's very common to see folks who just ignore it and let their current plan just automatically renew - which obviously you can do, but you might be leaving money on the table."

She added since the expansion of Medicaid, Missourians all have access to health insurance, through Missouri HealthNet. Those who make too much to qualify for Medicaid can receive subsidies to help pay their premiums through healthcare.gov..

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer with UnitedHealthcare, said people will do better research if they understand some basic insurance terminology.

"It starts with learning the language. Things like deductibles, copays, coinsurance, premiums, etc. Be familiar with what those terms are, and what the costs associated with each one is, for the plans that you're offered, or the plans that you're considering," Randall explained.

She suggested two resources that UnitedHealthcare has compiled - an online glossary of terms called "Just Plain Clear" and a companion site, "Medicare Made Clear" for people on Medicare.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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