5 Ways to Get the Most out of Your Health Benefits

In the not-so-distant past, many Americans had difficulty obtaining health insurance. Some were

outright denied coverage because of preexisting conditions, while others simply couldn’t afford

the high cost of a health plan.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made health insurance more accessible to Americans—

especially those between the ages of 50-64—by barring insurance companies from denying

coverage due to preexisting conditions, and by establishing a healthcare marketplace through

which people can buy subsidized coverage (for those who qualify).

Let’s take a look at some ways to ensure you get the most out of your health benefits, whether

you have insurance through work or a private health plan.

1: Explore All of Your Options for Coverage Whether you’re working full-time or part-time, or you’re unemployed, a student, or self-

employed, you have options when it comes to getting health insurance. If you currently have

group coverage through work, consult with your human resources person to review all of the

different plans available, especially if you’re unhappy with your current plan. Students, part-time

employees who don’t have coverage through work, and self-employed individuals can purchase

a plan through the healthcare marketplace, and many will qualify for cost-sharing subsidies and

tax breaks to help cover costs. Seniors 65 and older should look into Medicare enrollment.

Consult with an expert, like those at BenefitPackages, to find your best option for coverage.

2: Assess Your Coverage as Your Family Status Changes Marriage, the birth or adoption of a child and the death of a spouse are all life events that should

prompt you to reevaluate your current health plan. If you’re on a group health plan through work

and just got married, for example, find out what it will cost to add your spouse to your plan, and

alternatively, what it would cost to add you to your spouse’s employer plan. Many employers

only subsidize the cost of coverage for employees, not their family members. This can make

adding your spouse to your health plan cost prohibitive. In this case, you each may want to stay

on separate employer-sponsored plans. Note that if your employer health plan costs more than

9.5% of your income, you may be eligible for a marketplace plan. Be sure to look into all your

options when you have a change in family status.

3: Study Your Plan Carefully and Understand Insurance Terminology The monthly premium is certainly an important consideration when choosing a health plan; but

it’s not the only consideration. Plans with lower premiums often have less coverage and/or

higher copays, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. It’s important to understand these terms

and what they mean for you in terms of costs. It’s also important to know the differences

between HMO, PPO, and other common types of plans, in order to find one that will best meet

your needs.

4: Look for Wellness Programs and Mental Health and Substance Use Coverage Employers are increasingly establishing wellness programs for their employees. These

employers realize that wellness programs not only improve the lives of employees, but they also

keep health insurance and absenteeism costs down for the employer. Look into whether your

employer’s plan has a wellness program, which often provides cost savings and other rewards for

employees. Many health plans also provide mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

These important but often overlooked benefits can provide critical help—check your plan’s

explanation of benefits to find out whether these coverages are included.

5: Use Your Health Insurance Plan Many people who are healthy, with no chronic health conditions, will maintain health coverage

in case of an accident or a catastrophic illness (and because it’s now the law), but they neglect to

use their plan for regular check-ups. Most health plans are not just for emergency care—use your

plan to get regular physical exams and routine tests. The ACA has made many preventive

services free of charge, such as cancer screenings, routine vaccinations, and diet and cholesterol

tests—be sure to take advantage of these benefits.

Company Bio

BenefitPackages is a health exchange-certified insurance agency that has been helping

individuals and businesses find affordable California health insurance for over two decades. The

company’s licensed agents know the healthcare law inside and out, and can help you understand

your options for coverage and enroll in a plan. Contact BenefitPackages today at 1-800-356-

3615, or visit the company’s website.