Take Care of Your Loved Ones With Health Insurance

You'll pick and sign up for a health plan during open enrollment and you'll also sign up any family members who will be on your plan. Then, you'll pay a monthly premium to keep your policy active.

When you get health care services, you or your doctor's office will file a claim with the insurance company. The claim lets your insurer know how much you owe for the services, and they'll negotiate with your doctor's office to lower the costs. Depending on your plan, you’ll pay most or all costs until you hit your deductible.

After that, your coinsurance kicks in—aka when the insurance company starts helping with the bill. If you join a spouse or parent's health plan, ask them for a copy of the policy so you know exactly what’s covered.