By Trish Pearson
Insure Your Future
Trish Pearson
As we start a new year, take time to do the following to get the most out of your health insurance benefits.
Make sure you have a current ID card. The cards may look the same from year to year if you have the same insurance. The ID number will probably also be the same, but you should receive a new card each year. Call member services if you have not received a new card to make certain your policy renewed for 2025. Some Medicare Advantage plans also issue separate “flex cards” to use for extra benefits such as dental, vision and over-the-counter items. Refer to your guide to see if this applies to you.
Set up an online account with your insurance company. All the information you need should be on your ID card or in your head. Even if you don’t have a computer, an iPad/tablet will work, or even your phone. This will make it easier to pay premiums, check claim statuses, get answers to benefit questions and order over-the-counter items. Not sure how to go about this? Get some help from a friend, relative or call the member services number on the back of your card. They will walk you through the process.
If you have a new insurance plan, make sure to inform the pharmacy when renewing prescriptions in 2025. This is especially important if your prescriptions are on auto refill or through mail order. If you are changing pharmacies, the easiest way to make the change is to go to the new pharmacy and have them request your prescriptions from the prior pharmacy.
Review prescription drugs and any copays. Rules on Medicare prescription pricing have changed. If your current plan is not a good fit, you have an opportunity to make one change in January, February or March.
Review your plan for wellness benefits and register. Many plans offer discounts on gym memberships, nutrition programs, smoking cessation, advice on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and weight loss. Take advantage of these programs which will also provide financial rewards such as gift cards at area retailers just for answering a few survey questions. Make appointments for annual wellness visits. All insurance plans cover a physical, and associated blood work and screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies. The tests must be coded as screenings as opposed to diagnostic.
Make sure your vaccines are up to date. Most plans cover flu shots, COVID boosters, RSV vaccines and shingles vaccines with no copay. If you are not sure, check with your pharmacist or call member services.
Hoping all have a happy and healthy year ahead. Following these tips will make it that much easier.
Trish Pearson is a licensed independent insurance agent and certified long term care specialist. Contact her at 203-640-5969 or trishpearson281@gmail.com.