If you’re looking to save money in 2025 – and who isn’t? – a narrow network health plan is a great option.

Narrow network health plans are a great money-saving choice because they give you access to the same high-quality care as a broad network but come with a lower monthly premium. If you find that your family typically receives care from the same health system (or if you’re comfortable making that choice), a narrow network plan might be the perfect solution for your budget.

What’s a narrow network?

A narrow network is a popular health plan option where members receive care from one hospital system and any providers affiliated with or employed by that system.

Networks are typically based on geographical area. For example, in metro-Detroit, Priority Health offers a Southeast Michigan Narrow Network plan for individuals who live in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties and a Trinity Health East Narrow Network plan for individuals who live in Livingston and Washtenaw counties and a portion of Jackson County.

How does a narrow network work?

With a narrow network, your monthly premium will be lower, but your care is only covered at hospitals and providers within that network. If you receive care outside of your network, you will need to pay the full cost of care.

Additional benefits of a narrow network include:

  • Coordinated care within one health system and easy access to medical records
  • No referrals needed if care is within the designated health system

Priority Health’s Narrow Network plans also come with on-demand mental health support, $0 preventive care, 24/7 virtual urgent care and chronic condition management to supplement in-person care.

What should I consider before choosing a narrow network plan?

Every family is different and there is no one-size-fits-all health plan so it’s important to consider your family’s current and potential health needs before choosing a plan.

  • Primary care physician: Do you have a primary care physician you love? If they are already part of the narrow network, you won’t need to switch. If not, would you be willing to switch to one within the designated health system?
  • Future needs: Do you currently have children, or are you planning to have more? Do you have any conditions that may require you to see a specialist in the future? Rest assured, if your preferred specialist is within the narrow network you’re considering, there is no need to switch.
  • Travel: Does any of your family travel frequently or spend a long portion of time away from home?
  • Savings: If you’re looking for additional ways to save, a narrow network could be right for you. You’ll still receive the same exceptional care but at a lower cost.

If you’re considering a narrow network plan but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, we’ve created this short quiz to help you make your decision. Or call one of Priority Health’s enrollment specialists at 844.800.1523, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays. They’re always happy to answer questions, review plan details or help you find more information. If a narrow network plan doesn’t fit your needs, we offer a variety of products and plans to ensure you find the perfect fit.

Don’t forget these important dates:

  • Oct. 1, 2024: Shopping begins. This means health plans for 2025 are finalized and you can start looking for the plan that best meets your needs.
  • Nov. 1, 2024: Enrollment begins. This is the first day you can purchase new, or change your current health coverage for 2025.
  • Dec. 15, 2024: The last day you can enroll for coverage that will begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Jan. 15, 2025: The last day you can enroll for coverage for 2025, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. If you enroll between Dec. 16, 2024, and Jan. 15, 2025, your coverage will begin on Feb. 1, 2025.

Priority Health is a nationally recognized nonprofit health benefits company focused on improving the health and lives of members across Michigan. Priority Health, part of the Corewell Health nonprofit health system is recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation.