It is open enrollment time for people all over South Carolina, a time when we decide which health benefits we will pay for in the coming year. Many employers are offering workers the opportunity to make changes to their plans, and this offers a good opportunity to review and evaluate your entire health care situation.

It is critical to compare your health and prescription drug coverage options. Poring through the paperwork can be time-consuming, but the only way to determine which plan is best is to compare the policies side-by-side, checking the prescriptions taken by you and family members.

Even if your current plan has been serving you well, you should check to see whether there have been any changes to the prescription drugs that are covered. If you are a smoker and want to quit, you should determine whether any of the plans you are offered have a smoking cessation benefit and pick one that does. Also, check for quantity and dosage strength to ensure there will be no unexpected surprises when you pick up your prescriptions.

The bottom line is to pay attention to detail and give the paperwork more than a quick glance. Taking the time to review your coverage while you have the opportunity to change can protect your health and save you money.