Choose the right health insurance during open enrollment

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The annual open enrollment period for many health insurance plans starts this month.

Now is the time when you can make choices about your health coverage, whether you get your plan through work like 55 percent of Americans, or through a private Medicare plan.

Consumer Reports has just released its analysis of more than 1,000 health care plans and outlines the top questions to consider before you choose.

"Our rankings look at overall quality, customer service, how well the plans deal with common conditions like asthma or diabetes," Consumer Reports Nancy Metcalf said.

The rankings also spotlight plans that help you avoid overused or unnecessary care, like having a CT scan that you don't need.

Like many Americans, Marc Sevelovitz finds choosing health insurance for his family a challenge.

"I have two children that needed separate policies. My wife and I, our needs are changing. It just gave me a huge headache by the time I figured it all out," Sevelovitz said.

Consumer Reports experts say even though health insurance is tricky, don't just renew the plan you have.

"There are some basic things that everyone needs to look at no matter how you get your insurance. One is what are the cost-sharing provisions of the plan, the deductibles, the co-pays?" Metcalf said.

Be sure to check the annual out-of-pocket limit. It's the most you'd have to pay in a year.

Also check which doctors and hospitals are in your plan. Choosing a smaller or narrow network can save money.

"However, if you have an ongoing relationship with providers who aren't in the plan, it might not be for you," said Metcalf.

If you take prescription drugs regularly, especially costly ones, study the plan's formulary or list of preferred drugs to make sure yours are covered.

You can find the free health insurance rankings on Consumer Reports' website. They include insurance plans available through employers, as well as private Medicare Advantage plans.