Start by looking at your medical needs and those of your family. Be sure to think about what sort of healthcare you need now, and what care you may need in the coming year.

Key things to consider:

• The average amount you spend on medical expenses each year
• The cost of medications you use on a regular basis
• Your budget

Once you have some idea of the average amount you spend on healthcare each year, and the amount you have available in your budget, you can move on to the next step.

It’s important to remember that if you don’t enroll in a health insurance plan you could be subject to penalties from the Federal Government. There are opportunities for financial assistance and you may be eligible. Learning how to manage your healthcare costs will also help.

Before making any decisions about your health insurance, it’s important to understand the differences between the major types of insurance.

Do you know if you want an HMO or PPO? Let’s go over the main differences between these two types of coverage.

• HMO
  An HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, requires you to choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) from a network of local healthcare providers. All your care is coordinated through your PCP. He or she will be your main healthcare provider and the one who will refer you to specialists or other healthcare providers when needed.
• PPO
  A PPO, or Preferred Provider Organization, allows you the flexibility to choose healthcare providers without going through a PCP. A PPO also has a network of local healthcare providers. While you are free to use any healthcare provider, your costs will be lower if you choose providers within the PPO’s network.

When it comes to cost, HMOs generally have less expensive monthly premiums. PPOs usually have higher premiums, but you have the option of using any doctor without needing a referral.

You can learn much more about PPOs here and about HMOs here, or compare them side-by-side by viewing our comparison chart.

If you’re eligible for Medicare, you can learn about Humana’s Medicare plans on our Understanding your Medicare options page.

Now that you know your healthcare needs, and have done your research on the types of insurance available, it’s time to start shopping for a plan.

You may want to consult a licensed insurance agent as you begin shopping for your coverage. Insurance agents can help you choose the plan that’s best for you. They can also determine if you are eligible for financial assistance, and can help walk you through the enrollment process. And there is no charge for an agent’s help!

You can also get quotes from insurance websites. For example, people who are eligible for Medicare can find a variety of Medicare plans through Humana’s website.

If you’re interested in dental or vision coverage the Humana site also has a variety of plans to meet your needs.

You can also save your quote and return later to enroll.

To shop for a medical plan, you can visit eHealth.com (link opens in new window), a website that offers insurance coverage from a variety of insurance companies.

Once you’ve determined which plan meets your needs and found the best plan for you, it’s time to enroll.

If you’ve selected a dental or vision plan, Humana can help you enroll online, through a Humana licensed sales agent, or by phone. When you’re ready to get started, visit our online enrollment page.

Humana can also help you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Simply start here to signup online or by phone. Remember, if you’ve saved your quote on Humana’s website, you’ll be able to find it and pick up where you left off.

For medical insurance you can go to eHealth.com (link opens in new window) and follow the step-by-step instructions, or contact your agent for assistance for help.

Looking for health insurance can be overwhelming. By dividing it into four simple steps, we hope you begin to see that it is something you can handle.

Plus, once you’re enrolled, you can sit back and enjoy the security that comes with having health insurance. Knowing that you and your family are covered can bring a peace of mind that is well worth the cost.