A new year is a time for change, and for many, your health plan is no different. When signing up for health plan or renewing your current benefits, you may focus your attention on the medical or financial side of things, asking questions such as:
- How much is the deductible?
- What will my out-of-pocket costs be?
- Are my prescriptions covered?
While these questions are great ones to ask, there’s so much more to your new health plan than standard medical coverage. As your new plan coverage begins, be sure to take advantage of all the additional benefits available to you. Here are a few examples to investigate as you look forward to the year ahead.
Cost transparency tools
Some health plans offer digital tools for members to estimate the price of medical procedures or prescription drugs. These give you a great idea of future costs, helping you plan ahead and budget your care accordingly. Many people use these tools to find the best costs on services, treatments and prescriptions.
With Priority Health, members have the ability to research their costs and control out-of-pocket spending with an online Coverage Check tool, letting you search for your prescriptions, providers and procedures covered by your plan. The tool shows personalized costs based on each member’s specific plan benefits.
Virtual care
Virtual care is a great way to help prevent the spread of seasonal infections such as the flu. Check with your doctor’s office or health plan to see what programs they offer for virtual care.
In addition to being convenient, virtual care is also cost effective—your out-of-pocket expense is typically far lower than a trip to the emergency room or urgent care. Be sure to check with your provider and health plan about available virtual care services as part of your new plan. And remember, for health emergencies, you should always go to the nearest ER or call 911.
Behavioral health
As the holiday season comes to an end, you may find yourself in need of a recharge. Fortunately, many health plans offer behavioral health benefits. Check with your health plan to see what mental health and wellness resources are available to you.
At Priority Health, most members have access to Teledoc Health Mental Health, which is a free online tool that supports stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain management and more. Make your mind a priority this year, and see how your new plan can help promote mental health.
Gym memberships and fitness benefits
Almost every health plan offers fitness incentives to prompt physical health and wellness. For example, Priority Health employer group and individual members have access to the Active&Fit Direct™ program, while Priority Health Medicare Advantage members can take advantage of One Pass®. Programs like these provide access to nationwide gyms and fitness studios, as well as digital and virtual fitness options.
Check with your health plan to see what fitness benefits are included in your plan to help keep you moving throughout the year.
Travel assistance
Many health plans offer travel assistance to their members. This eliminates the need to purchase additional, and often costly, medical or travel assistance coverage. With Priority Health, Medicare Advantage and MyPriority members and their dependents have access to Assist America®. It’s available whenever members travel more than 100 miles from home or internationally, and offers benefits such as medical emergency services, prescription services and even assistance with lost luggage.
In addition, Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans and some MyPriority plans include a travel benefit. This means when you visit any participating provider in the U.S. (outside of the lower peninusla of Michigan), you’ll pay in-network costs.
TL/DR: Spend the New Year learning as much about your new health plan as possible.
There’s more to health coverage than premiums and co-pays, and the more you know about your health plan and the benefits it includes, the better. If you’re unsure all your plan provides, contact your plan provider and ask about the following:
- Cost transparency tools
- Virtual care
- Behavioral health resources
- Physical fitness programs (and/or discounts)
- Travel benefits
- And anything else you may be curious about
Start your new year off right and take control of your budget, health and physical and mental well-being. Find out what your health plan covers to make sure you’re taking advantage of everything your plan has to offer. And have a happy, healthy New Year!
