1. How much health care will my family need?

In the coming year, are you dealing with chronic illness, frequent doctor appointments or on-going prescription meds?

Tip: If you think you'll need a lot of care, paying a higher premium with a lower deductible may save you money in the long run.

2. Do I understand the total costs of each plan?

Look at both the total premiums and the out-of-pocket costs of each plan.

Tip: It comes down to whether you want to pay more upfront (premium) or pay more at the time of service (coinsurance, copays and deductibles).

3. How are my prescriptions covered?

Drugs are divided into different cost levels, called "tiers." The higher the tier, the more the drug will cost. The highest tier would be a level 4 and the lowest tier would be a level 1.

Tip: The tier a drug is put in may vary from carrier to carrier. So compare the tiers and prices for your frequent prescriptions.

The plan you choose affects which doctors and facilities will be available to you at reduced cost.

Tip: If you want to keep your current doctors, check to see if they are covered by the network of the plan you are considering.