Your health insurance plan is more than just a safety net—it’s a valuable tool that, when used effectively, can save you money, improve your access to care, and help you maintain better overall health. By understanding and utilizing all the benefits available, you can make the most of your premium dollars while ensuring convenience and affordability in your healthcare journey.
Finding A Doctor
Finding a doctor you trust is important. Your health plan offers a network of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers to choose from. Use the provider search tools to locate in-network providers that best fit your needs, helping you avoid additional costs.
Preventive Care Services
Most health plans include several free preventive care services, such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and screenings. Taking advantage of these services can help detect health issues early, potentially saving you from costly treatments down the road. Check out your health plan website to view what preventive services and screenings are available to you.
A few examples of screenings include:
- Colonoscopy
- Mammogram
- Pelvic/prostate exams
- Annual checkups
Treatment Cost Estimator Tools
Check to see if your health plan offers cost estimating tools on their website. Use these resources to estimate and compare costs for common services with various healthcare providers before receiving care.
A few examples include:
- Outpatient procedures
- Inpatient procedures
- Office visits
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Diagnostic tests and x-rays
- Lab tests
Telehealth and Virtual Visits
Telehealth services offer a convenient way to access healthcare without leaving home. These services are especially useful when you want to avoid full waiting rooms, bad weather, or when you have young children. Virtual care is ideal for non-emergent health issues, such as:
- Cold, cough, and flu
- Allergies
- Pink eye
- Respiratory issues
- Sore throat
- Sinus problems
- Skin problems
Prescription Savings and Mail-Order Pharmacy
Your health plan may offer discounts on prescription medications, including generic alternatives and bulk pricing for 90-day supplies. Mail-order pharmacies may also provide cost savings and added convenience by delivering medications directly to your door.
Medication prices can vary between retail locations. Check your health plan website for ‘price a medication’ resources to compare prices each time you refill a prescription to save.
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room
Knowing when to visit an urgent care center instead of the emergency room can save significant money. Urgent care services cost less than a trip to the emergency room and most health plans typically have a lower copay for urgent care visits than ER visits, making them a more affordable choice for non-life-threatening conditions.
It’s important to know where to go for care in order to save you both money and time, depending on your health situation.
Contact Customer Service when needed
If you have questions, contact your health plan customer service for guidance and answers to your benefit questions. Always confirm your benefits and coverage before receiving services to avoid extra costs. Customer service can be a resource to helping you make the most of benefits, as well.
A little planning and research can go a long way in helping you take full advantage of your health insurance benefits, and make your healthcare more convenient, affordable, and effective. Review your plan details, ask about available perks, and leverage free services to make the most of your coverage and improve your health and financial well-being.