The best time to start planning for open enrollment…

…is today! It does not matter if your open enrollment closes tomorrow or opens after 6 months; you could do yourself a great favor and help the ones you love, by thinking through all the variables that will impact your next health insurance policy.

You could opt for an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Choose between high deductibles and a whopping premium. Cover every eventuality or leverage your good health status for savings. The choices are endless and therefore confusing.

Start with a thorough assessment of your state of health. The easiest way is to spend time with your Primary Care Physician and get a dispassionate assessment of illnesses that could stop by your home. Is there a chance that diabetes will strike or that cancer could stop by your door? The future is not entirely known to mortals, but obesity and long-standing hypertension have some predictable consequences.

Doctors are busy and a consultation for open enrollment could set you back a bit. It is always a good investment, but you have many fine options of evaluating some of your health needs on your own as well. Try http://www.healthstatus.com/ for example. You should also review the claims that you have had occasion to make during the year gone by and weigh in family and work situation changes that could impact your health insurance product choice.

Most people know that you can win significant discounts by giving up on all forms of tobacco and thereby reducing your health risks in a meaningful way. Consider the other diet and lifestyle changes you could make in order not just to save on health costs, but to lead a better life in the main part. A BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 29 is a call to see your doctor and go on a diet. It is never too late to start a regimen of exercise, after a medical evaluation of course, if you have been a bit of a couch potato!

Do search this site or the entire web, to find a free BMI calculator and useful information on diet and exercise.

Remember that mental health needs careful consideration. Visit

http://my.webmd.com/hw/mental_health/aa79756.asp

Consult your Primary Care Physician or chosen health provider if you have not had an evaluation done during the year gone by.

Knowing the states of physical and mental health of each member of your family, gives you a head-start in planning for your next open enrollment. You will get vital leads to choosing a better product if the deadline is near and an annual plan as well, to plan for a better future.