If you’ve been putting off choosing your coverage for the upcoming year during this open enrollment season, no one would blame you. Workers often find themselves choosing an insurance plan from a menu of complicated and pricey options. And for many people, the price tags are going up. On average, U.S. employers expect their health-care costs to rise by 7.7% in 2025, according to a survey from Willis Towers Watson. About a third of companies say they plan to hike employee premiums to help cover the cost. But by taking a few simple steps, you can make sure you’re getting the most cost-effective plan that meets your health-care needs, all while taking full advantage of your benefits. Think of it like shopping for shoes, says Charlene Rhinehart, a certified public accountant and personal finance editor at GoodRx.
