Cost is certainly an important consideration in choosing a health plan, but the least expensive plan is not always the best buy. You probably wouldn’t buy the cheapest car that you could find, because other factors, such as safety, reliability, gas mileage, and such, are important to you. The same is true of health plans. You must balance the cost of the plan with those other factors that are important to you and your family.

While some plans may offer lower monthly premiums, there may be higher deductibles or charges for office visits and out of network care. You may not be able to see the doctor you want, and you may have to use out-of-area specialists and hospitals. Before you make your decision based on cost alone, be sure to look at the out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, co-payments) as well as your ability to choose local providers. It may cost you a little more to be able to choose the doctors and hospitals you want, but for about the same amount per month as dinner and a movie, you and your family could have greater flexibility in obtaining health care services.