If you have a healthcare plan, you might be like me, sometimes confused about the services offered and how you can get the most of what you are paying for. Since working and having my own healthcare plan since I was 21, I’ve seen some major changes in what plans offer, and most of these changes have been for the better. Of course, I have also noticed that healthcare costs are definitely on the rise.
So how can you be sure that you’re taking advantage of everything your healthcare plan has to offer and maximizing your savings when it comes to receiving medical care? Cigna has a few tips to help you take stock.
Mid-Year Health Check-in Tips
PLAN. We’re often great at budgeting household expenses like our mortgage, groceries or vacations, but many of us don’t think about budgeting for healthcare expenses. The more you can anticipate upcoming costs, the more you can save while still receiving the high quality care you expect for you and your family.
Spend one night reviewing your healthcare expenses. Know what you have spent to-date and think about what your future costs may be. For example, will anyone need glasses or braces next year? Knowing what your current spending habits are and what your future costs may be, can help you budget accordingly.
PREPARE. There are a few things that you can do now to ensure you’re prepared to make quick decisions when the time is appropriate.
· Know where the nearest urgent care facility is. These facilities provide the same quality of care for non-emergent conditions as an ER, but have shorter wait times and are typically less expensive.
· Check your health plan to see if they offer a 24/7 nurse hotline to provide you with health-related advice around the clock.
· Keep the phone number handy for your local pharmacy. Prescriptions can be called in quickly, right from the doctor’s office, saving time.
PREVENT. Taking advantage of preventative services offered by your health plan could mean the difference between life and early death.
· Visit your doctor each year for a checkup – make the appointment on a memorable day so you remember each year to go! Also, take advantage of the free services offered, such as access to dieticians and nurses, who can answer questions and provide advice.
Our family has taken advantage in the past of using 24-hour nurse hotlines. I can honestly say these can be extremely helpful for those times when you’re just not sure if symptoms you or a family member may be experiencing could be considered an emergency situation. We’re also big believers in preventative measures in our family. We see our doctor every 3 months and I also have to take a moment and brag on my husband, who has lost over 30 pounds with the sole intention of just to feel better and get healthier. In doing so, he will probably soon be taken off medications he has had to take for about 7 years now. Not only is he improving his overall health, but the money we will save that we normally spend on prescriptions will be substantial.
Cigna has also put together a series of videos discussing these tips in depth that are definitely worth checking out.
When it comes to keeping you and your family healthy there’s so much more to talk about. Join the conversation at YouTube.com/Cigna.
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Cigna. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
