There are several ways seniors can save money on health insurance premiums:

• Choose a plan with a higher deductible and lower monthly premiums.
• Consider a Medicare Advantage plan instead of traditional Medicare.
• Shop around and compare plans to find the best deal.
• Take advantage of discounts for healthy behaviors such as quitting smoking or exercising regularly.
• Check if you qualify for any assistance programs such as Medicaid or the Medicare Savings Program.

Seniors should consider several factors when choosing a health insurance plan, including:

• The cost of premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.
• The coverage offered for doctors, hospitals, and prescription drugs.
• The network of providers and whether your current doctors are in-network.
• The plan’s star rating and customer satisfaction ratings.
• The plan’s maximum out-of-pocket expenses.

Seniors can switch health insurance plans outside of the annual enrollment period in certain circumstances, such as if they move to a new area or qualify for a special enrollment period due to a life event such as losing coverage from an employer. However, in most cases, seniors must wait until the annual enrollment period to make changes to their coverage.

The Medicare Savings Program is a state-run program that helps low-income seniors pay for their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but in general, seniors must meet income and asset limits to qualify for the program. To apply, seniors should contact their state’s Medicaid office or visit the Medicare website for more information.