Catch's Health Explorer will recommend the best options for you based on basic household information. Still debating which to choose? Here's what we recommend you consider.

1. Subsidies you qualify for

Catch will find all of the subsidies and discounts you qualify for based on your household information. Potential subsidies include Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) and the Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC).

When choosing a plan, the subsidies you qualify for may impact the type of plan you enroll in. For example, to use a CSR, you are often required to enroll in a Silver Plan. These subsidies will also help you determine the cost you'll pay for coverage.

2. Cost of the plan

Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maxes are all costs to consider. While you should make sure you choose a plan you can afford each month, you should also consider what other costs go along with the plan.

For example, if you know you are going to have an expensive surgery this year, be sure to take into account the out-of-pocket max. It may be worth paying more each month for a lower maximum amount you'll have to pay.

For definitions of each of these costs, check out our help article here.

3. Medicines and doctors

If you have medicines you take and doctors you visit, check to make sure they are in-network or covered. It may be worth a slightly higher premium for better coverage of your doctors and medicines (lower costs of care).

4. Metal tiers

Take a look at the metal tier: the higher the metal tier, the more the insurance company will pay when you need care (which is why the premium on these plans costs a bit more). If you anticipate using health care a lot, higher metal (e.g. gold) may be better for you financially.

5. Plan type

The specifics of each health insurance plan vary, but the rule of thumb is that PPOs are a little more expensive than HMOs, but PPOs give you more flexibility in where you get your care.

HMOs require a referral to see a specialist. PPOs generally don't. PPOs also cover more out-of-network care than HMOs. If that flexibility is important to you (or you travel a lot), a PPO may be a better option

Still have questions?

Reach out to us! We have live chat support and the option to schedule a call with one of our licensed insurance agents. We're here to help!