my wife and i have a lady that walks us through all these plans every year, then we choose what plan will work for us the best in the coming year.
some times our plans change, sometimes not. it just depends on what medications we are taking, and if a particular plan will cover it or not, and what the co-pay will be.
also, around here, the hospitals are being bought up and absorbed into different health organizations. we need to be sure our plans cover the hospital network[s] and the doctors associated with them.
it can get sticky fast, and without her professional help, we could make a choice that would/could be disastrous for us if something happened.
we both have severe health problems, so going about choosing health plans this way is vitally important for us.
now if a person is reasonably healthy with no pre-existing conditions, it is an entirely different matter choosing a plan that is right for you.