Press Release September 2, 1997	Contact: Jeanne Finberg Robin Kane (415)431-6747 Consumers Union West Coast Regional Office

HOW TO CHOOSE A HEALTH PLAN

Consumers Union Offers Tips For California Consumers Facing Open Enrollment

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Open enrollment began September 1 for many California health consumers, who must now decide whether to stick with their current plan or choose a new one. Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, urges those consumers who have a choice to conduct research and pick a plan that will serve them best. To assist Californians in choosing a health plan, Consumers Union has compiled the tip sheet, "How to Choose a Health Plan."

"Getting information about a health plan is a tricky business," according to Jeanne Finberg, Senior Attorney and Policy Analyst for Consumers Union where she heads the health group. "Although picking a health plan may have important health consequences for individuals and their families, California consumers are often operating in the dark. There is little reliable information available to compare health plans for quality and benefits. And it often takes some digging to find the information that does exist."

This year's open enrollment period may be more active than other recent years, according to recent reports. Because of mergers between large health plans, thousands of Californians must choose new plans during this open enrollment period.

Consumers Union offers facts and tips to help consumers gather information and choose a plan. The three-page "How to Choose a Health Plan" features a survey to assess health needs; resources for gathering information on individual plans; and advice on how to resolve problems with your plan.

"Only about one-half of employers offering health insurance give employees a choice of plans," according to Finberg. "For those who have a choice, it pays to make an informed choice. Until the state provides consumers with uniform, reliable information about the health plans, consumers will have to do their own digging. Consumers Union recommends that you take the time to dig. It may protect your bank account and could save your life."