By Trish Pearson
Insuring Your Future
Trish Pearson
You mean there is something I don’t need to pay for with my health insurance? The answer is yes.
Many health insurance plans, whether group, individual or senior, offer benefits that are included at no additional cost. Too often we don’t know or remember to utilize the savings that they provide.
All ACA compliant insurance plans provide complete coverage for an annual well health check including most of the bloodwork and other lab tests. They also include annual screenings such as mammograms, pap tests and a colonoscopy every five or 10 years if classified as a “screening” only. If a polyp is discovered as part of the procedure and is removed it then becomes an outpatient procedure and subject to the applicable copay, coinsurance or deductible.
Most added benefits fall into four areas: dental, eyewear, hearing aids and over-the-counter medications. While these benefits often only apply to those on a Medicare Advantage plan, even group plans will cover certain dental needs, especially pediatric, and vision needs.
These benefits can be delivered as a discount, reimbursement or direct coverage. Some require that you use a provider that is in the plan’s specific network. Others do not have network limitations.
The over-the-counter medication benefit will provide help with the purchase of such things as aspirin, eye or nose drops or first aid supplies. Some can be purchased at a retail store; others require online or phone ordering.
These benefits can amount to significant savings – in some cases totaling thousands of dollars.
Wellness programs are also covered by many insurance plans. Many employers are including weight loss, smoking cessation or exercise programs in their benefit package. Seniors receive Silver Sneakers memberships with most Medicare Advantage and some supplement plans. This benefit is portable and can be used at many different facilities in the area. You can lift weights at one, swim at another and take a yoga class at a third – all for no charge.
If you’re traveling and don’t want to use the walk-in, try Teladoc. Some insurance companies are providing the insured and their dependents with access to US board-certified doctors and pediatricians by phone or online video any time of day or night, 365 days per year. While this does not replace a face-to-face visit, it is a convenient and affordable option for quality care. The physicians are licensed in Connecticut and average 15 years of practice experience.
Some plans may offer benefits that you would rather not use, such as a home visit from a nurse or participation in a health survey. These programs are offered to help those who might have questions about medications, safety or social services. For some they are very helpful. However, some find the persistent phone calls annoying and invasive. If this is the case, simply contact the insurance carrier membership services and ask to be put on the “do not call” list.
Your agent or benefits coordinator should be able to assist with details on all benefits. If you don’t know what you’ve got, consult the summary of benefits and ask for clarification.