First things first: That means nailing down exact benefit changes, so you can control health insurance costs.
To do that, look at your yearly renewal packet, says Martin Rosen, co-founder of Pennsylvania-based Health Advocate Inc. Details are spelled out in the packet's explanation of benefits, which outlines plan changes.
"People assume that plans are much the same from year to year," says Rosen. "Oftentimes they're not." Treatment deductibles may be higher or benefits slashed.