Make no mistake: Health insurance can be complex and confusing–so much so that most avoid learning about their health care plans altogether, for the sake of simplicity. But take note: This negligence can pave the way for costly expenses, major headaches and missed opportunities for awesome benefits.
For those who have PeopleOne Health's Prime or Essentials plans, you likely won't need to worry about the twists and turns of traditional healthcare, though the mistakes listed below may help in instances when secondary insurance for services outside of our offices and network are needed. To help anyone who still has traditional insurance as their primary plan get the most out of the offerings, we’ve gathered the most common mistakes people make when choosing (and using) traditional health insurance. By avoiding these blunders, you’ll be able to make your plan work for you in the best way possible. Your wallet and health will thank you!
1. Choosing plans based on low premiums.
When shopping for health insurance, it’s tempting to pick the plan with the lowest premium and call it a day. However, this may cost you more money over time, especially if the plan fails to cover your specific healthcare needs. Take a moment to determine your basic requirements—like medicine coverage or planned surgeries—then compare the deductibles, copays and coinsurance of each plan. If you’re still unsure, consider contacting a health insurance assister via HealthCare.gov for personalized guidance.
2. Neglecting to choose “in-network” providers.
Visiting an out-of-network physician is a surefire way to rack up unnecessary medical bills. To avoid this, always check if a provider is in your network before scheduling any appointment. Better yet, start your search by browsing your health insurance plan’s in-network providers and then pick a physician. Learning your plan’s website and search tools might take some practice, but it will save you serious cash in the long run.
3. Agreeing to medical tests without asking questions first.
Contrary to popular belief, even if your doctor orders a medical test, it doesn’t mean your health insurance will cover the cost. The reason? Depending on your situation and health status, your health insurance might deem some tests as medically unnecessary. In turn, you’ll get charged with a hefty fee. That being said, if your provider wants to pencil you in for medical tests (think: special bloodwork or CT scans), always ask if it’s medically necessary before moving forward. This will help you avoid unnecessary tests and, in some cases, open up the discussion to possible alternatives.
4. Not taking advantage of virtual services.
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing development of technology, telehealth has become a standard feature of health care. But as it turns out, it’s not limited to services like primary care, prescription refills and therapy. Many health insurance companies also provide services for urgent care and some emergencies, which can save you from a costly trip to the emergency room. Some companies even offer 24/7 hotlines, allowing you to speak with a healthcare professional on the phone or via email to determine the severity of symptoms or answer basic medical questions.
5. Not requesting reimbursements.
Did you know that health insurance companies provide reimbursements for certain expenses? Yes, really! This may include services (like massages), activities (like art classes) and products (like ergonomic desk equipment). Fitness memberships (which might otherwise deter you from joining a gym) are typically included, as well. And while there’s usually a reimbursement limit for each calendar year, it would be a waste to not use this perk. Consult your insurer's website to determine which reimbursements you may be eligible to collect.
6. Overlooking incentives and rewards programs.
Many people are unaware that most health insurance companies offer prize incentives and rewards for doing certain activities, such as completing personal health assessments, participating in virtual challenges and reading wellness articles. You might even already be doing some tasks—like attending preventative care visits or using a fitness tracker—that can earn you cash prizes and discounts. Needless to say, it’s worth exploring your provider’s platform for these hidden rewards.
*If you're tired of navigating a confusing and costly healthcare system and want to learn more about PeopleOne Health's clinical offerings, click here to learn more!
.jpg)
