I f you think you’d like to make changes to your health insurance, November and December generally are the months to do so. With health-care costs continuing to rise at double the rate of overall inflation, choosing an affordable plan that covers what you need is more important than ever. What to consider -- and where to find help...

If you’re insured through your employer: Most companies with 200 or more employees -- and even some smaller firms -- offer a number of plans to their employees. Beware: Make sure that you read exactly what is covered in each plan... understand whether there are limits to what is covered... and determine how much you must pay out-of-pocket for each service in each plan. Do not automatically assume that plans that charge the lower premiums are the best deals. More often than not -- especially if you or a family member uses many medical services in a year -- the deductibles, co-payments and limits on services make the lower-priced plans lousy deals.

Excellent option for younger and/or generally healthy people: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-exempt accounts that can be used to pay for current and future medical costs with money contributed by the individual account holder -- or, in the case of an employee plan, by employers and/or employees.

Beware: An HSA should be selected only if you expect minimal annual medical use, such as routine check-ups. If the coverage is used more than that, your out-of-pocket costs can skyrocket.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary: If you are in the traditional Medicare program and like it, then stick with it. But if the cost of Medicare (currently $96.40 per month for most participants) and supplemental Medigap insurance (the cost varies but can exceed $300 per month) is too much, consider switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan. These privately run plans usually offer more services (such as vision care and/or prescription drug benefits) than traditional Medicare. You pay the same monthly government premium -- and may have to pay an additional premium for extra services. But you do not need to carry a supplemental Medigap policy, so you can save money.

Beware: Many Advantage programs require you to use their networks of doctors and hospitals. If you go outside this network, you generally must pay some or all of the costs out-of-pocket. To learn about plans in your area, consult the Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov/choices/advantage.asp or call 800-633-4227 (MEDICARE).

If you have Medicare Part D drug coverage: Part D adds prescription drug coverage to the primary Medicare plan. Review your policy annually or you may experience a costly surprise. Beware: Each year, insurers can change prices and even add or drop drugs from their programs! Be sure to read all your Medicare mail to stay up-to-date on what is covered.

Helpful: Use this worksheet, www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/MPDCPInfoWorksheet.pdf, to determine your prescription medication needs. Then go to the Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov, to compare plans in your state that meet your drug requirements.