For an individual, the tax kicks in at $10,200. That means if you have a health care package through your employer that’s worth $12,000, you will be taxed on the value of $1,800 of it. While efforts are underway to eliminate that clause, it may cause more people to head into the insurance marketplace to seek a better deal.

What to Look for in a Plan

The reason health care is difficult to shop for is that you’re never quite sure what you’ll need. Health care is unpredictable, and costs can be enormous if you’re caught with an unexpected disease or are involved in an accident that requires long-term care.

There are certain things you can look for in a plan. Here are a few tips:

1)    Co-pays and deductibles cost money. When you visit a doctor, there’s typically a co-payment, and many less expensive plans have a high deductible, meaning you need to cover a large amount of your bill before insurance coverage kicks in. Co-pays and deductibles add up, and when comparing costs, it’s important to know that plans with similar benefits can have widely varying out-of-pocket costs. Your budget is important, but keep in mind that if you have an unaffordable deductible, it can spell disaster in an emergency. In general, if you pay a higher premium, you will pay less when medical services are rendered. But beware the fine print – you may have to pay a deductible for each family member, and some costs may not count against your deductible.

2)    Find the right plan. Not every insurance company has every plan available, so look for a company that offers the plan that you need. HMOs will set you up with a primary care provider, who then is responsible for referring you to other medical professionals; EPOs restrict you to medical providers within their network; and PPOs have options if you choose to go outside of a network. If you have a health problem that requires a specific medical need, then you probably should go with the plan that offers you more options for care.