How to Make the Most of Your Benefits
Understanding your health benefits can be complex and confusing at times. But don’t let that scare you away from making positive changes in your health! Here are some ways to make the most of your health benefits.
Step 1: Understand that health benefits are not only for when you are sick!
You get annual preventive coverage for things like well visits, vision exams, dental cleanings, family planning, vaccinations, and much more! Find out what services are covered benefits. Looking at documents created by your health plan can help you determine what is covered and what is not covered. More service may be available at no cost to you!
Member handbooks are a great tool containing information on your benefits package. You can also call your health plan if you have specific questions on coverage that you’d like to understand better.
Step 2: See your doctor regularly!
Remembering to schedule regular visits with your doctor is very important. This can help you understand what is going on with your health and how to maintain it. Regular visits can help prevent small things from becoming big things down the road. Building a relationship with your in-network primary care provider (PCP) is helpful for them to get to know you and understand your needs best, both when you are healthy and when you are sick!
Step 3: Bring your ID card to all appointments!
If you don’t bring and show your ID card at your appointment, your doctor won’t be able to bill your insurance correctly. This can lead to problems later on. Always bring your ID card with you and show it first thing!
Step 4: Care coordination!
Have you ever found out what care coordination services are available to you? Care coordination teams can work with you to understand and develop a care plan for your treatment. They can also help you set personal health goals, learn tools to manage medications or strengthen your support system, help you find the right doctor, and even connect with outside resources you may be eligible for. These services may be included in your health benefits.
You’ve got this!