4 Ways To Stretch Your Health Benefits

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

4 Ways To Stretch Your Health Benefits

(Family Features) Often,

employees enroll in medical

insurance plans for protection

against unpredictable events, sudden

illness or serious health concerns that

may result in expensive medical bills.

Getting the most from your benefits

requires understanding coverages

and deductibles, as well as taking

advantage of voluntary benefits, like

dental, vision and hearing, to stay

healthy and save money.

Avoid surprises. About 91 percent

of adults in the United States are

confused about what their benefits

cover, according to a recent Harris

poll. The best starting point is to

review your plan so you understand

the care and services covered. If you

have a high-deductible plan, you will

need to pay for most or a percentage

of the health cos ts until reaching the

individual or family deductible. Be prepared

to pay any copayments or deductibles the plan

requires before receiving care. Also, be fore

scheduling appointments, ask for a cos t estimate

for the appointment, tes ts or service.

Preventive dental and vision. Many voluntary

plans, such as dental and vision, of fer preventive

exams, such as routine cleanings and vision

exams, that are fully covered. That’s because

these preventive exams help to maintain and

improve overall health and help reduce health

costs. Voluntary coverage is affordable and

many plans offer added incentives. For example,

coverage for LASIK, dental, vision and

hearing benefits can increase from one year

to the next for those who continue to enroll

and use their benefits. Members could earn

monetary rewards to use for dental, vision,

LASIK, orthodontia and hearing benefits,

care materials and services simply by using

their benefits and keeping the benefits paid

out under a specified amount.

Medical screenings. Routine health

screenings, such as mammograms,

immunizations, colonoscopy procedures

and prostate cancer screenings, which may

be covered fully or in part by your medical

coverage, can help you stay healthy and lower

health care costs.

Get paid to save. Many employers

encourage employees to save money by

matching a percentage of the amount the

employee contributes to the plan. If a vailable,

enroll in a Health Savings Account or

Flexible Spending Account to set aside money

to pay for health care costs.

Remember that these accounts are not a

substitute for the coverage provided by voluntary

benefits.

Learn more about the ques tions to ask when

reviewing benefit plans at ameritasinsight.com

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