Healthcare

Now that Thanksgiving is over and we have a few weeks to prepare for Christmas, we can circle back and review one of the most important things we will need to understand for the year to come. Open enrollment for health insurance from employers is likely done with and we have all made our selections.  For those of us who get government provided healthcare, open enrollment may still be ongoing.  Even though a vast majority of us have already picked from our healthcare options we must now dive into what we have selected and learn about the benefits we will receive. 

Getting the Best Care

Healthcare benefits can be confusing and we often miss out on benefits that are included with our selection.  Many people consider healthcare benefits only useful if they get injured or if they get ill; however, there are a variety of services that come either free of charge or for a very small fee.  The most common example of this is a yearly physical exam from a primary care provider.  Many people avoid doing this because they are scared of what a doctor might tell them or because they are afraid they will be paying for a service that they do not see value in.  Many mainstream healthcare providers pay for one free exam yearly.  For those providers that do not pay for everything odds are you can get this exam for very little cost.  Preventive care is far less expensive then treatment for an illness that could have been avoided.  This is why health insurance companies encourage yearly checkups.  If you are developing a problem it is easiest and most effective to treat it early.  That being said, spend a few minutes and look into what a physical exam will cost you, if it costs anything, and schedule one for early 2022.  Nothing is more important than our health and we must stay on top of it.

Virtual Care

A growing field in the medical world is virtual care.  Many insurance companies are now encouraging us to seek medical advice via an online chat with a doctor instead of in person visits.  Even though an in person experience is likely more thorough, it is important to understand the value of the digital options.  If you have a simple cold or even the flu often times an in person visit is not necessary to diagnose.  Virtual appointments over us the ability to get the advice and medication we need to get better fast and they can do it at a lower cost.  Sometimes you do not even have to pay a copay.  Insurance companies offer this service to save them money, but it can be a huge benefit to us.  We no longer need to take a full day off to wait in a crowded doctor’s office.  We can make an appointment, have a quick online chat, and get what we need without having to rearrange our schedule much and without having to travel anywhere.  When you get a summary of benefits from your healthcare provider look to see if this is a service they offer.  Hopefully we never get sick, but if we do a virtual visit might save us time and money.

Prescriptions

Some of us are blessed and do not have to spend time and effort managing complex pharmaceuticals; however, we all know at least someone who has to fight this battle.  People often say that the treatment is worse than a disease, and part of the reason for high prescription costs.   If we do manage our regular prescription costs, we can end up paying far more than we should.  There are countless commercials about how to get the best price on pills and it can confusing real quick.  The best way to make sure you pay as little as possible is to read about your coverage.  Most prescription plan coverages have preferred pharmacies or mail order options that can save you money when compared to your neighborhood drug store.  It is important to look us these pharmacies and call the healthcare provider if you have any questions.  They will be happy to point you in the direction of preferred pharmacies.  IF you use one of them you are likely to save money on copays and the healthcare provider is also likely to save some money as well. Everyone wins.  What is important to remember is it is our responsibility to follow up and research.  We need to be our own advocate to ensure we get the best deals.

Health insurance can be complicated but it is important.  We need to ensure we get the best care possible for the lowest price.  We can all be successful at managing our healthcare costs if we take the time and effort to do so.   Spend an hour this week reading and ask quality questions.  Doing so will ensure we stay healthy and we do not spend too much money on healthcare in 2022.