The beginning of the year may be the perfect time to prioritize your health. It’s also the right time to review your medical benefits and get the most out of your health plan.
Whether your goal is to improve your well-being, save more money, or simply make more informed medical decisions, understanding what your health plan offers can help you get more out of every dollar.
Chronic illness and mental health problems, as well as health care costs, are serious challenges for people in New York.
According to the latest America’s Health Rankings report, 12.3% of New York residents live with diabetes and 29.5% live with obesity. While 11.3% reported avoiding medical care in the previous year due to costs.
Many health plans offer programs that can help you save more money and live a healthier life. Here I offer practical tips to help you start the year feeling confident, healthy and prepared.
1. Understand your health plan
Knowing how your plan is structured—its premiums, copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums—can help you better estimate what you might spend on medical costs in the year.
Some health plans now offer upfront pricing so you can compare options and an easy-to-use digital shopping experience.
Talk to your employer about your health plan and the benefits and programs that are available to you.
2. Make the most of digital health innovations
Many health plans are offering new digital tools designed to make it easier to find and personalize medical care and services.
These tools can help you find providers within your network and compare treatment options, and make more informed decisions about where you can get care.
3. Use special benefits
Staying on top of routine dental and vision visits can be a key part of overall health. Preventative dental care can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce your risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Comprehensive eye exams don’t just test your vision – they can also help you see better and protect your overall health.
These tests can detect more than 270 health conditions. These preventive services may be included in your dental or vision health plan.
4. Consider where you get medical care
Where you go to get medical care is important and can impact the cost. Knowing when to go to the emergency room and when other care options may be effective choices can help you save money while receiving the care you need.
For example, a virtual or primary care visit may be much less expensive than one to the emergency room for non-urgent, everyday problems like pink eye or the common cold.
It’s also important to consider care options that are in-network with your health plan, which can help you save costs when compared to out-of-network options.
If you’re not sure where to go, many health plans offer tools to help you compare costs and find options that may meet your needs.
5. Take advantage of mental health benefits
Unfortunately, mental health problems continue to increase. If feelings of stress, anxiety or depression persist, please don’t wait – get support right away.
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to talk to your primary care provider or therapist about your overall well-being. Additionally, contact your insurance provider to explore mental health resources available through your health plan.
From preventive care and virtual visits to wellness programs and savings tools, your benefits are designed to help you – if you know how to use them.
If you have questions about your options, talk to your employer or call the number on the back of your insurance card.
