For many people, health benefits are one of the most appealing parts of a job offer. But if you don’t know how to navigate your health benefits, taking care of your health when you are sick can feel complicated and overwhelming. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make sure you know how your health benefits work so you can get feeling better as soon as possible.
Pay Attention to Costs
The first thing you want to think about with your health benefits from work is the cost. Part of this cost will come through your premiums, which is what you and your company will pay each month. Another part of the costs will come through your deductible, which is what you pay when you go to the doctor or have a procedure done. Your plan will likely either have a high deductible and low premiums, or a low deductible with high premiums. Either option can work for you depending on your health and your personal preferences.
Know Your Insurance
Next, you want to make sure that you are very familiar with your particular insurance plan. Different plans cover different things and cover different amounts of your total costs. The more you know about your insurance plan, the easier it will be to make sure you get the help you need when you are ill. Getting to know the ins and outs of your insurance policy can be tricky, but your insurance company can help you better understand the coverage you have. Healthcare providers may be able to help as well. A consultation can verify if your insurance covers a treatment before you start. This will protect you from having to pay more than you expect.
Consider a Plan with an HSA
Some employers will offer plans with an HSA in addition to more conventional health insurance plans. This health savings account is a way for you to save for potential medical issues without those funds being taxed. Plans with HSAs usually have high deductibles, which may be a point against them. That said, some employers may also contribute a certain amount of money to your HSA each paycheck. Understanding how an HSA works can help you pay for treatment without having to pay for everything from post-tax income.
When you know what your health benefits cover, you will be better able to make decisions about your health. Then you can go ahead and decide on providers and services that you need to be healthy. The more you know, the easier it is to make important health decisions.
One of the best ways you can minimize your healthcare costs is to take good care of yourself in the first place. That means going back to the basics. If you’re ready to start your journey towards a better you, join me for my Back to the Basics 30-day Group Program.