Be a Smart Health Insurance Consumer

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, shopping frenzy – and making health insurance choices for 2014.

Maybe you’re like my friend Jim who looks at the cost of coverage and chooses the plan that extracts the minimum from his paycheck.

Or maybe you consult your crystal ball, and actually crunch some numbers.

Regardless of where you get your health insurance the problem is, without looking behind the scenes at the actual coverage a company offers, you might not be getting the best protection for your health or your bank account. Being a sharp patient means being a smart consumer, too.

Here are some questions to ask about each plan option to make the best choice for you.

First, does the health insurance plan let you see your own doctors? Or will you have to change doctors? If necessary, determine how important your choice of doctors is, weighed against the cost of the plan you are considering.

Next, make a list of what you need to have covered. Include possible doctor visits, tests such as your annual mammogram, and treatments you know you’ll need. List the drugs you take, and whether they are generic or branded. Then add to your list other aspects you might not have previously considered, such as dental or vision coverage, health club memberships, or alternative therapies.

Does the potential insurer actually cover what you need? In particular, look at the drugs you take to determine whether the company insists on generics, or lists high co-pays for your name brand drugs. Then check coverage for tests you need. Sometimes they are covered only if you are over a certain age. Do you plan to have a baby and need maternity coverage? Some companies even cover alternative therapies or health club dues.

Can’t find a plan that meets your needs? Then be a good consumer, and let health insurance providers know. Some tell me they are eager to hear from us. Others are not interested – and that should be of concern to you as you make your choice.

It’s important to keep your employer’s human resources office in the loop, too. In many cases, they have a large influence on the coverage options provided to you.

Whether you are covered by your employer or using the Health Insurance Exchange, knowing the realities of insurance plans and costs will keep you and your wallet as healthy as possible.

If you are dealing with a serious illness and need help with insurance denials or billing errors ReAssured Advocacy can help.  Call us today at 303-756-8436.

Reprinted with permission from Trisha Torrey, Every Patient’s Advocate:  www.EveryPatientsAdvocate.com

© Depositphotos.com/xalanx

 

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