While your head may be filled with terms like premium, copay and deductible (this article explains various health plan terms), a plan that offers additional perks and benefits could actually end up costing you less in the long run.
If you’re selecting a new health plan during Open Enrollment, make sure to look for benefits like these that will help you get the most value out of your health coverage.
Price transparency tools
Some health plans offer digital tools to help you estimate the price of medical procedures or prescriptions so you can plan and budget for the cost of your care.
For example, at Priority Health, members have the ability to research costs with Cost Estimator. This tool shows what members will pay at in-network providers and facilities for health care services. Rather than giving a price range, it provides a price based on each member’s specific plan.
There are also apps like PriceMyMeds that evaluate every prescription filled at an in-network pharmacy to automatically give you the lowest available price and will even send you an alert when a better price is available at a nearby pharmacy. All Priority Health plans come with access to PriceMyMeds.
Find out if your health plan offers any price transparency tools so you can take control of your out-of-pocket health care spending.
Virtual care options
It’s a Saturday morning and you feel a sore throat coming on. Your doctor’s office is closed for the weekend, but you don’t want the hassle – or bill – that comes with a trip to urgent care.
Virtual care is a great option for non-emergency situations like this. Many doctors and hospital groups now offer virtual care to their patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can connect to a board-certified doctor wherever and whenever you need through your phone, tablet or laptop.
Be sure to check with your health plan about virtual care services offered. And, if you love the convenience and ease of virtual care, consider a plan that makes it more of a focus. Many of Priority Health’s MyPriority plans include 24/7 access to $0 virtual urgent care, and some also include virtual primary care options.
On-demand mental health support
Supporting your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. And with mental health services in increasingly high demand, more and more health plans are offering convenient, on-demand options that focus on issues like stress, depression, anxiety and more.
For instance, on a MyPriority plan, members who are 13 or older have access to a digital mental wellness tool that creates a personalized support plan for each user. Members can explore self-guided activities, techniques and resources, or connect with a coach for additional guidance and encouragement.
See if the health plans you’re looking at offer any mental health resources that will give you that support right at your fingertips.
Chronic condition management
Chronic conditions – like asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and others – are conditions that last more than a year and require ongoing medical care. If you have one of these common conditions, it’s important to make sure the plan you’re considering supports the ongoing management of that condition.
Some plans, like MyPriority, will give you access to the medical service, supplies and medications related to your chronic conditions for just the cost of a copay or coinsurance, even before your deductible is met.
Make sure the plan you choose comes with the support you need to live a happy and healthy life while managing one of these common chronic conditions.
Customer service
While it’s important to understand the ins and outs of your health plan, it’s just as important to get any questions you may have answered quickly and easily. Nobody wants to deal with the hassle or runaround of sub-par customer service while trying to comfort a sick child in their pediatrician’s waiting room.
That’s why some health coverage providers, like Priority Health, put so much time and effort into training their customer service teams. In fact, Priority Health was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Customer Service 20241 list, something they – and their members – can take pride in. You’ll get peace of mind knowing you’ll get your questions answered with the right health plan.
Be sure to choose a plan that comes with additional no-cost benefits like these. By taking advantage of everything your plan has to offer, you can take control of your health, wellness and budget.
Learn more about Priority Health’s Individual and family plans here and get the most value for what you value most – your health.
*America’s Best Customer Service 2024 | Newsweek
