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In the United States, the average person spends about $3,400 a year on health insurance. Most people who have health insurance policies, however, only use them during emergencies or when they are sick but health insurance can be used even when you feel fine.
The first step to maximizing the use of your health coverage is understanding the medical benefits you are entitled to under your plan. It's also just as important to know what are the limitations of your health coverage so you don't end up wasting your time or spending more. Once you know the constraints of your health coverage, you can deploy different ways to use it even when you feel okay.
Read on to find out more about maximizing your health coverage.
Many people do not utilize the full benefits they are entitled to under their insurance policies. In some cases, some people even end up paying extra for costs that are covered by their health insurance all along. Knowing your benefits is one of the keys to getting the most out of your health insurance coverage and avoiding unnecessary costs in the future.
Most people simply keep their health insurance cards and don’t bother to read the other materials that come in the package. You should know that your benefits are typically summarized in a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), which the insurers are required to give you. It’s highly recommended to read the SBC, or at the very least scan it, to better understand what you can get from your plan.
A glossary of terminology is also usually provided to help you better understand industry jargon like "deductible," "copay," "co-insurance," and "network provider." Keep this glossary close at hand while you study your SBC to ensure you completely comprehend what you are reading.
Many Marketplace plans cover the cost of preventive health services such as screening, testing, and shots as long as you get them from doctors or health providers that are covered by their plan network. If you’re unsure what health providers are recognized by your plan, you can ask their customer service team or ask your doctor instead.
When you are seriously ill or injured, you can receive care at the emergency room among many other locations but it's ideal to visit a primary care physician for routine care. When you get regular check-ups from a primary provider, they can help ensure that you are getting the right services and improve your overall health and well-being too. Because it often takes multiple visits to tell whether a provider or doctor is the right match for you, get regular check-ups to explore different possibilities in advance; don’t wait until you get sick.
If you didn't receive an SBC from your provider or you misplaced yours, you can contact your provider to request a new copy. The summary not only lets you know of the benefits you can maximize under your health coverage but you are also able to make realistic comparisons in terms of the costs and coverage of different health plans. This way, you can plan in advance if you want to switch to another provider for the next period or remain with your existing one.
Don't waste the potential of your health coverage to improve your health and maximize its use through the ways we presented above. If you need help finding a health insurance plan that suits your needs and preferences best, Bankers Hill Insurance will be happy to assist you. Request a personalized quote on our website now!