Over the last 11 months, we have dissected health insurance plans and issues to enable you to make better healthcare decisions. We have decided as a final post, we would compile those topics.
1. Understand how having health insurance benefits you.
If you don’t already have health insurance coverage and are debating if you should make the commitment (you probably should), check out this post. It breaks down all the broad questions about health coverage for you.
2. Learn which physicians and practices are in your provider’s network.
Even though you have health insurance, that doesn’t mean you are covered when visiting any doctor or hospital. This post will help you understand what it means to see a physician that falls both in and out of your healthcare provider’s network.
3. Educate yourself on your premium, deductible and copay amounts.
This breaks down the bottom line of any health insurance plan. If there’s anything you need to know about your healthcare coverage (besides which physicians are in your network), it’s your premium, deductible and copay amounts.
4. Know your coinsurance out-of-pocket maximum amounts.
There are just some years when you have a lot of need when it comes to your healthcare plan. Make sure you understand what it means for your bottom line if you require major medical care.
5. If you have a high deductible health plan, educate yourself on the difference between HSAs, FSAs and HRAs.
High deductible plans are more popular now than ever before. If you have one of these plans, you may also have an HSA, FSA or HRA, or you may be asked to choose one or more. Learn the difference and pros and cons of each in this post.
6. You have more control over your healthcare costs than you think.
At the end of the day, you are in more control of your healthcare than you think. There are some ways you can save money, read about them here.
7. Understand what constitutes a medical emergency and when you do and do not need to use the ER.
You can save yourself a lot of time and money by going to an urgent care over an emergency room. With pop-up ERs on every corner, this post is a must read.
8. Make sure you are not buying into the most common health insurance myths.
There are definitely some big misconceptions when it comes to healthcare and they can hurt you if you make decisions based on these myths. Educate yourself in order to make the best decisions for you and your family.
9. There are times when you may need to see a specialist. Do you know what that means and if your insurance requires a referral to see a specialist?
Sometimes your primary care physician or an emergency room doctor just isn’t the right place. You may require a specialist. This post will help you determine how and what that means for your insurance coverage.
10. Thinking of changing your insurance plan?
It’s open enrollment time, so you may be considering changing plans; if that’s the case, read this first.
11. Choosing a doctor is essential and important when you have health insurance.
Health insurance only benefits you if you see a doctor regularly to maintain wellness (some plans reward you for doing so). Here we break down how to select your physician.
Good luck to you all and be well!
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