Maximizing Your Health Insurance: A Practical Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Coverage

So you have health insurance- now what? Print out your ID card, learn how to navigate your insurance’s website and benefits, know your network, and schedule those visits ASAP. Doing these few things will ensure you get the most out of your health insurance. We’ll jump into more detail below on what was just mentioned.

With the end of open enrollment this week, it is a good time to review the whole reason why we go through this process all together. Early estimates on the Affordable Care Act enrollees show that over a quarter of enrollees are new to health insurance coverage. You pay your insurance premiums for a reason so utilize the benefits that are provided. If you are like many of my clients, you have put quite a lot of time and effort into your health insurance plan choice. Let’s put that work into action.

Print and save your ID card right now

First off- make sure that you have your cards. There is often a mail delay at the beginning of the year so be sure that you have access to them. Save a copy with you other important documentation and possibly share it with trusted loved ones for emergencies. Many clients use a tracker for monitoring savings and retirement accounts that also have the ability to save important documents like insurance cards, passwords, life insurance and bank account numbers and a will. Also, have a copy in your wallet or purse. This is very important. You can not use your insurance without your card. At the very least, your agent should be able to provide your cards to you by email or order an extra set for you.

Get to know your plan

Health insurance coverage varies widely. Some plans are private while others are offered as an employee of a company. They can require medical underwriting while others are guarantee issue that do not require the applicant to answer any questions on their medical history to have the policy approved. Some of you may be a dependent on a spouse or parent’s policy. So, take some time to learn about the inner workings of your plan by logging in online, calling the company when you have questions, or talking to an agent like myself. Many carriers offer discounts and membership perks like gym memberships and products that contribute to healthy living and lower costs so take advantage of them.

Telemedicine

As a mom, I can not emphasize enough how great the use of telemedicine can be. These services often have technical aspects of that care that are necessary before the initial visit. So download whatever app needs to be used to access that care and familiarize yourself with the log in procedure. And listen, it may not always be your child who needs the care. I have used telemedicine for sinus infections several times. I am a very unhappy sick person. I get irritable and impatient so trying to then figure out how to access the telemedicine care becomes that much more difficult if I am not 100%. Do it when you are feeling well and have the patience to learn this new skill. I know- it sounds silly but I have been there. Make it easy on yourself.

Learn about your plan’s network

Most insurance plans have a network of doctors and facilities that clients should use for their care. If you do not have established care with a doctor, this is a great place to start looking for a routine doctor. Many clients use urgent care more and more for their needs so being familiar with those facilities in your geographic area can save lots of time and energy when you are possibly not feeling your best. This information can generally be obtained by visiting your carrier’s website or ask your agent for assistance. Planning a trip soon? Check if your policy covers you for out of state and country care. If traveling overseas, I recommend considering an international health plan just in case you do need care while outside the United States.

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Schedule wellness visits and those visits that you have been postponing while you waited for the coverage to take effect Affordable Care Act policies cover wellness visits automatically like gynecology exams, mammograms and physicals. Take advantage of these benefits and schedule that appointment. These visits can be the key to better health long term. If you have dental and vision coverage, many of those plans offer discounted preventative exams so this is a great time to schedule that cleaning or evaluation. Even I delay or procrastinate on making appointments. When is the last time you had a dermatology visit? How about your last dental cleaning? It is easy to brush it aside but go ahead and schedule that appointment now. You pay your insurance premiums for a reason so utilize the benefits that are provided. It will help to keep you healthy. It has been said that health is wealth. I believe that. Put all that research into your health plan to good use today.