Health insurance is an important component of protecting and maintaining your health as well as protecting your assets and earnings. Data indicate that a majority of bankruptcies are connected to medical expenses. Emergencies and accidents are hard to prevent. At the same time, many of us could be doing more to protect and preserve our health. One way to take advantage of your health care coverage is to use it as part of your overall strategy to keep well.
Here’s how:
- Put your own mask.
We’re talking about the well-known pre-flight airline instruction: put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. When you’re healthy, you can be there for those who need you. Do your part by making time for exercise, healthful eating, and rest. And, use your health coverage when you are feeling well, not just when you’re sick. Your health care coverage can help you get the preventative services you need, access recommended health screenings, and manage any chronic conditions.
- Get to know your health coverage.
Health coverage pays for provider services, medications, hospital care, and special equipment when you’re sick. It is also important when you’re not sick. Most coverage includes immunizations for children and adults, annual visits for women and seniors, obesity screening and counseling for people of all ages, and more for free. Keep your coverage current by paying your monthly premiums (if you have them) and know what kind of services your policy covers, how often to receive them, and where you go in your network to access them.
- Know your care provider.
You may be able to select a provider or you may be assigned one, depending on your healthcare policy. In either situation, go prepared to your appointments. If you can take someone with you to record your conversation, do. If not, take notes on your own. Consider ahead of time what you need to ask your provider about your health and how to manage it. Keep any follow-up visits and take any prescribed medications as instructed. Strive to develop a good relationship with your provider. If you cannot trust or work with your healthcare professional, seek another healthcare provider.
