Companies are scrambling to comply with early provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, such as a requirement that plans cover dependent children up to the age of 26. Many employees will be able to count on their companies paying all their bills for preventative care, and plans must eliminate lifetime limits on coverage.

Tips:

• Check if your health plan is “grandfathered,” which means it is exempt from some—but not all—of the new mandates.
• Use online cost estimators to find out which plan is right for you. Get mail-order generic drugs, and stash away money in a tax-free flexible-spending account.
• Ask whether your employer offers supplemental or voluntary benefits, especially if you have a high-deductible plan.
• Take advantage of newly required free preventative care, such as flu shots, well-baby visits, alcohol and tobacco screening, and breastfeeding support.