Health Insurance “Hacks”
In today's day and age, it seems to be there are "hacks" or tips for just about everything. For example, you can get lost on social media watching hack after hack about anything & everything you can imagine. Coking, saving money, building, etc.
What about health insurance? Are there hacks for health coverage or hacks for health coverage savings? Now, largely this will depend on the plan you have. For starters, if you're uncertain how to best use your plan, it might be time to reach out to a licensed advisor to review your current policy.
Many health coverage plans include Telehealth or Telemedicine, providing access to board-certified physicians via video chat or call. Most visits via telemedicine for sickness, if it’s on your insurance plan, are free. Using Telehealth saves time, as the visits are usually about 15 min. They can be from the comforts of your home or work without visiting an office. You save on cost, convenience, and time. If that's not an option on your current health plan, feel free to reach out to review plans that do have this service included.
For common sicknesses like upset stomach, skin rashes, common colds, and other non-emergency services, many people run directly to the ER for these services. Acting as if the ER is their Primary Care Physician. This will always result in costing you more out of pocket. If it is a medical emergency, absolutely go to the ER. However, non-emergency services are best treated by your primary or nearby Urgent Care. You will likely be treated faster, and the cost will usually be a small copay instead of an ER visit that might require a hefty deductible.
One of the most critical hacks is using providers within your plan’s network. A significant factor is whether you have an HMO, EPO, & PPO. HMO & EPO networks won't cover services outside the provider network unless deemed an emergency. PPO plans do cover outside the provider's network. However, you will usually pay a little more due to not receiving the pre-negotiated rate you would receive while staying within the provider's network. Therefore, it is essential to understand which facilities nearby are within your network. If you are unsure, please reach out, as one of our licensed advisors can check your network.
Lastly, If you are relatively healthy, you may be eligible for health-based coverage that can offer lower premiums if you qualify. Similar to having a good driving record, you'll have better car insurance rates than a person with multiple reckless driving citations on their driving record. So if you are healthy and can qualify, you could save on your monthly premiums and have quality health coverage. Now, these plans are not for everyone. Why it's essential before making a final decision on a health plan, you speak to one of our licensed advisors to make sure you review all your plans and, most importantly, you understand all of your plan's benefits, features, and "hacks."
Reach out to one licensed benefit advisor for questions to compare plans or quotes.
