This article is pertinent to all age groups, however those entering their retirement years will find the information particularly important. Open enrollment is the window of time when employers introduce changes to their benefit offerings for the upcoming plan year. If you're employed with University of California, this is your annual chance to make important decisions that will affect your health-care choices and your finances.

Even if you are satisfied with your current health plan, it may no longer be the most cost-effective option. Before you make any benefit elections, take plenty of time to review the information provided by University of California. You should also consider how your life has changed over the last year and any plans or potential developments for .

Decipher Your Health Plan Options
The details matter when it comes to selecting a suitable health plan. One of your options could be a better fit for you (or your family) and might even help reduce your overall health-care costs. But you will have to look beyond the monthly premiums. Policies with lower premiums tend to have more restrictions or higher out-of-pocket costs (such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles) when you do seek care for a health issue.

To help you weigh the tradeoffs, here is a comparison of the five main types of health plans. It should also help demystify some of the terminology and acronyms used so often across the health insurance landscape.

Health maintenance organization (HMO). Coverage is limited to care from physicians, other medical providers, and facilities within the HMO network (except in an emergency). You choose a primary-care physician (PCP) who will decide whether to approve or deny any request for a referral to a specialist.

Point of service (POS) plan. Out-of-network care is available, but you will pay more than you would for in-network services. As with an HMO, you must have a referral from a PCP to see a specialist. POS premiums tend to be a little bit higher than HMO premiums.

Exclusive provider organization (EPO). Services are covered only if you use medical providers and facilities in the plan's network, but you do not need a referral to see a specialist. Premiums are typically higher than an HMO, but lower than a PPO.

Preferred provider organization (PPO). You have the freedom to see any health providers you choose without a referral, but there are financial incentives to seek care from PPO physicians and hospitals (a larger percentage of the cost will be covered by the plan). A PPO usually has a higher premium than an HMO, EPO, or POS plan and often has a deductible.

A deductible is the amount you must pay before insurance payments kick in. Preventive care (such as annual visits and recommended screenings) is typically covered free of charge, regardless of whether the deductible has been met.

High-deductible health plan (HDHP). In return for significantly lower premiums, you'll pay more out-of-pocket for medical services until you reach the annual deductible. HDHP deductibles start at $1,400 for an individual and $2,800 for family coverage in , and can be much higher. Care will be less expensive if you use providers in the plan's network, and your upfront cost could be reduced through the insurer's negotiated rate.

As you plan your financial future, understanding the full scope of University of California's retirement benefits gives you the strongest foundation. According to publicly available information, University of California does not maintain a traditional defined benefit pension plan, making your 401(k) plan and personal savings the primary vehicles for retirement income. University of California does not appear to offer a formal retiree healthcare program, so healthcare coverage planning before Medicare eligibility at age 65 is an important consideration. When you map out your University of California benefits alongside your broader retirement strategy, the overall picture becomes much clearer.