Hidden Options: There's more to your health insurance plan than you think!

For those of you with employer-sponsored or private health insurance, it is imperative that you know how your plan works. The company that provides your health insurance benefits, contracts with a whole network of practitioners who provide services. Most often, and predominantly so in the US, these networks are called "managed care" networks. Simply put, managed care is a cost-control system that rationalizes the use of health care services. Subsequently, a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) provides comprehensive services to you, for a prepaid fee from your insurance company.

Your insurance company wants you to stay healthy. When you fall sick, your insurance company bears the burden of the expenses your sickness generates. The company also understands that paying for prevention of illness is a lot cheaper than paying for a cure/recovery. In essence, your insurance company is there to work with you before you fall sick, and provide "preventive" services at no cost or very low cost.

Do you know what preventive services your health insurance plan provides?

Preventive services are services that help you maintain and enhance your health so that you have a lower risk of falling sick. For example, screenings like free comprehensive annual physical examinations, immunizations (speaking of which, I get free Flumist under my plan, no more flu shots, how cool is that?), special gender and age-based procedures such as mammography, colonoscopy, pap smear etc. Though every company differs in the range of services provided, most of them, if not all, have a special division called the Preventive Evaluation and Management Service, that is incorporated into even the most basic plans! Call customer service and ask about yours! If you are unsure of your preventive benefits, call your company or read your detailed explanation of benefits.

You can obtain safe, sound advice on a variety of issues such as oral health, injury prevention, car seat safety, breastfeeding, aspirin prophylaxis for cardiovascular risk, tobacco use, substance abuse, obesity, exercise, and even free diet and nutritional counselling!!

I called my insurance company again last month and had a lovely chat with the wellness specialist about my ongoing struggle with back pain. We talked about posture, body mechanics, back strengthening exercises, diet, stress reduction and a whole lot more. A week later, I received a ton of useful information in the mail about back safety, simple exercises that can be done at home, warning signs, precautions etc. I also found out that in the event that my physican recommended back massage, my insurance plan would cover all the expenses at participating locations. Who knew? Which reminds me, last year, as a birthday gift for my sweetie, I made an appointment for him for a 90 minute-long back massage at a local upscale spa. Our insurance company provided a discount and my sweetie got a wonderful, relaxing birthday gift for less!

As far as exercising at the gym, many insurance companies have contracts with local gyms to provide discounted membership plans and even susidized personal training services. One insurance company I know takes 15% off monthly premiums in return for proof of active gym membership. You can also purchase health and lifestyle products at a lower cost.

This month, assign yourself to an important task. Remember to familairize yourself with your health insurance plan's preventive services. Call your insurance company. Sign up online on their website and access a wealth of information on nutrition, health assessment and even chat with an online health coach! Many insurance companies provide 24 hour nurse support, live wellness coaches and health educators.

There's more to your health insurance plan that you think!

Be well!
Anita