It can be easy to take for granted what you already have, and good health care coverage is no exception. Many people don’t realize just how great their plans are until their coverage changes. It seems so easy to hand your insurance card to your provider, but without it, you might find yourself having to make stressful decisions about whether or not to seek healthcare when you need it or covering a large portion of your medical bill out of pocket even for routine screenings. Good health is everything, and parents should make a special effort to be knowledgeable about their family’s insurance benefits and use them well.
Benefits of Health Care Coverage
One of the most underutilized benefits of health care coverage is access to mental health treatment. Scheduling time with a therapist or being treated for bipolar disorder are things in which most insurance plans are required by law to include.
Additionally, most insurance plans cover treatment for substance abuse, something the majority of those with coverage don’t know about. There are hundreds if not thousands of people suffering from an addiction who could check into rehab in Seattle and similar centers in other major cities at little to no out-of-pocket cost, but avoid doing so partly because they mistakenly think it won’t be covered.
A major benefit of good health care coverage is access to annual physicals. Many people forego these visits, claiming they are too busy or that they don’t have any health issues. Others make their children’s well-visits a priority but skip their own. However, it is vitally important that all adults and children see their doctor at least once a year.
Many screenings exist today that can identify health issues before symptoms are present. For example, diabetes, colon cancer, and breast cancer can all be identified in early stages. Diagnosing these diseases early usually means a more manageable treatment plan and a better prognosis. If you wait to see a doctor until you start feeling bad, you may have a much longer and more uncertain road to recovery.
Annual check-ups for kids can also be beneficial in identifying issues before they become large problems. Your pediatrician can spot health issues before you might notice them. For example, taking advantage of vision and hearing screenings ensures that your child has everything they need to succeed at school.
Your child’s doctor can also remind you of important safety tips, such as choosing an appropriate car seat, and lifestyle changes, like tips for cutting down on screen time, that are appropriate to your child’s age. Additionally, taking your child for their annual check-up sets a healthy habit for the rest of their life, making sure that they have access to preventative care.
Though yearly physicals are an important way you can take advantage of good coverage, they are not the only perk. Many people are unaware of the myriad of benefits their insurance offers. Some over-the-counter medicines can also be prescribed by your doctor and covered by your insurance. Medications for conditions such as seasonal allergies or asthma are available as affordable prescriptions, which means that you not only save money, but you also have the added benefit of a doctor overseeing their use.
Some insurance plans even offer programs such as nurse hotlines, mental health benefits, gym memberships, or incentives for losing extra weight. Taking a close look at your insurance member’s handbook or speaking to a representative can help you see what great benefits your plan offers.
Putting your healthcare to good use is an easy choice when you consider the many ways it can enrich your life. By accessing preventative care such as well-visits and vaccinations, you can maintain good health and add years to your life. You may even be able to save money by using your benefits to pay for health items such as glasses, dental care, or access to an exercise facility. Sometimes it can be difficult to make the time to take care of yourself, but taking advantage of good insurance coverage is a choice you’ll never regret.