Top 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage of Your Health Insurance Before the End of the Year
Health insurance companies get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. It’s always important to remember that your health insurance company should be working for YOU!
The whole point of insurance is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, but sometimes it seems like it doesn’t work in our favor. Insurance can be expensive, so you want to make sure that you’re reaping the most benefits out of what you’ve earned.
We broke down the top 3 ways you can take advantage of your insurance before the end of the year so you can get the most out of your benefits before they renew!
1. Met Your Deductible? You Can Likely Receive Services at Little-to-No Cost
Yes, you read that right! You could be getting healthcare services (like, say, physical therapy) at little-to-no out-of-pocket cost through the end of the year once you’ve met your deductible.
Still not sure how deductibles work? Your deductible is the most you are required to pay out–of–pocket within a calendar year before your health insurance covers all or most qualified healthcare services. If your deductible is $2,500 and you’ve already spent that much on qualified expenses, such as copays, prescriptions, and other healthcare services and products, your insurance will cover rest until your deductible resets at the start of the next year. That means it’s the perfect time to get services you may have been putting off for fear of the cost. Have nagging back pain that you want assessed? Now’s the time to contact your local physical therapist. However, this only applies to the end of the year before your benefits reset – so don’t put it off!
Remember, because of CT’s Direct Access Law, in most cases you don’t need to a referral from your primary care physician in order to see a physical therapist! That way you don’t waste any time and don’t have to wait until your doctor has an open schedule to get a script for PT.
2. Telehealth is Still Covered by Most Major Insurance Plans
Telehealth sessions are virtual visits with your PT provider, during which your therapist will assess your status using a number of questions, as well as range of motion and function tests, before guiding you through movements, exercises and stretches that will help to improve your condition. Your therapist will provide a self-care roadmap to get you on the road towards moving and living pain-free again. You still get the same individualized therapy that you would get in the clinic without having to leave your house!
3. Wellness Program Benefits
Most people don’t know this, but many insurance companies offer incentives to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. This isn’t out of the goodness of their hearts, by the way – in general, medical costs decrease when people eat healthier, get active, quit smoking and make other healthy choices in their day-to-day lives. Benefits vary by insurance plan, but examples include prize incentives, rate discounts, coupons for local health-related business, and even cash incentives! You might have to do some digging, but finding out what your insurance company offers could help you live healthier AND save money. Even if you are already doing these things, your insurance company might offer a rebate or a discount on services like gym memberships.
Every insurance plan is different, so the best way to get the most out of your insurance is to do some research or reach out to your representative or human resources department regarding your deductible, special coverage and/or wellness programs and benefits. Time is running short on maximizing your benefits for the year, so make sure to get the most out of your insurance plan while you can. Also, feel free to reach out to the PTSMC location closest to you and our Patient Services Coordinators will be happy to assist you with questions about your coverage.
Cheers to a happier and healthier new year!