Open enrollment is approaching for Medicare recipients, but beneficiaries have more on their minds than which plan to select. Next year, the Medicare Advantage plan will no longer be available. As a result, nearly 25,000 Oregon residents, or 12 percent of those with Medicare Advantage plans, need to look into other health insurance options.

The Oregonian newspaper reports that some seniors will have to look for new coverage because of a federal law requiring that "fee-for-service plans" meet the same standards as HMOs and PPOs.

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program manager Lisa Emerson advises beneficiaries to keep track of all their health insurance materials.

"It's really important to save any mail from your Medicare health plan, which may include a non-renewal notice," says Emerson. "Our counselors can help you review your plan options between now and early December so you have a smooth transition in 2011."

Those who are looking for a new health insurance plan can also go online to research health insurance quotes. Premiums can vary depending on a variety of different factors.

A lot of people who have tried to find affordable health insurance quotes on their own can attest that doing so is a difficult task. That is one of the reasons why employees value health insurance coverage as such an important component of their compensation package.

A national study by a major insurance company found that more than 80 percent of people think more highly of an employer who offers voluntary insurance benefits. Furthermore, almost 90 percent of prospective employees said it was important for an employer to offer health insurance along with a range of voluntary insurance offerings.

A representative from the health insurance provider says offering a range of benefits is important for employee satisfaction.

"Employers should consider including voluntary insurance as part of their benefits portfolio - employees expect them, and when they are offered, employees tend to become healthier and more productive at work," he said.

Healthier employees can also result in savings for an employer. Those who are in better health are less likely to use sick days or require expensive medical care.