The elite of football will be playing this weekend in Super Bowl LIX. These two teams have elevated their games. They do this by (among other things) focusing on basics of the game.

Buying health insurance takes the same focus on basics. Let’s start with the basics.

What type of insurances are you comparing? It’s important to ensure you compare the same types of policies. Short term health insurance is verry different from Qualified Health Plans. Make sure you compare apples to apples.

What carrier you choose is a basic question and one of the most important ones. Carriers are rated on financial strength and customer satisfaction. Choose a carrier with excellent ratings.

What are your out-of-pocket costs including deductibles and copays? Most plans have a maximum out of pocket (Max OOP) and a published list of deductibles and copays for services. Do the math and see what costs you are likely to incur based on your typical use of services.

What is your monthly premium? Many will only compare premiums when comparing policies. Premiums are one of the specifics to compare and are often not the most important one. See the OOP costs (above) to add to your comparison.

Does the plan have network sufficiency? Some plans don’t have enough doctors or hospitals in network. Ensure your providers are in network and the preferred clinics and hospitals are available with the plans you are considering.

Is your preferred pharmacy in network and what will your medications cost? Every plan has a list of Preferred and Standard pharmacies. The preferred pharmacy will usually have the lowest cost of medications. Standard pharmacies are also in network, but your medication costs may be a little higher.

Focus on the basics of health insurance to make wise decisions about carriers and plans. Contact a licensed health insurance agent for help analyzing what might be the best option for you.

This article is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation. Talk with a licensed Health Insurance Professional about your specific circumstances. For more information you can go to The Texas Department of Insurance.