If you have health insurance, it can be challenging understanding what your policy covers. This guide is designed to help you understand how your health insurance works and how you can make the most of it.
Use your deductible and FSA to pay for expenses
You can use your FSA or HSA to pay for expenses like co-pays and prescriptions. You should set aside these funds if you incur any medical expenses during the year.
You should use this money before spending money out-of-pocket on anything else because it’s tax-free. If you spend $1,000 in one month on medicine and doctor visits and then get a bill for another $500 later that year — only $500 will be counted as income by the IRS! So keep that in mind when budgeting for health care expenses throughout the year. You’ll want to keep some extra cash tucked away just in case they pop up unexpectedly!
If you have an HSA account (Health Savings Account) — which allows you to save up money pretax so that it can grow over time — it’s wise to consider putting most of your paycheck into this account first before contributing anything more than necessary towards your deductible or co-pays each month.
This is because the money you put into an HSA will grow over time, and your contributions are not counted as income by the IRS. So if you’re saving up for a new car or house down payment (or just want to have some extra cash on hand in case of emergencies), consider tucking some of your paychecks into an HSA account before putting anything else towards medical bills each month.
Preventive checkups are usually covered in full
If you’re like most people, the first thing you do when you have an insurance plan is to see what’s covered and what isn’t. You might be surprised to learn that preventive checkups are usually fully covered.
This means that if your doctor recommends an annual physical or blood work, there won’t be any co-pays or deductibles attached to it. Suppose they tell you to get screened for something like cancer or diabetes. In that case, there shouldn’t be any additional costs as long as this type of screening is part of their standard recommendations for people within a particular age group.
This also goes for dental checkups and cleanings, often covered under your insurance plan. If your dentist recommends a filling or tooth replacement, however, you may have to pay a co-pay or deductible depending on your coverage. On the bright side, some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of dental implants or replacements if one’s tooth is too badly damaged to save.
One way to find a good doctor is by asking friends and family members who already have one. People often make poor choices when selecting new doctors because it’s such an overwhelming process with so much information available nowadays.
Take advantage of discounts and offers from healthcare providers
You may get some discounts or special offers on your health insurance premiums. Many programs make it easier to afford insurance, so check with your provider to see if they offer any of these programs.
Many private companies and government agencies offer a discount on your health insurance costs if you qualify. You may also be eligible for other benefits, such as using the emergency room without co-pays or deductibles or even free preventative care services like mammograms and colonoscopies. The application process is usually straightforward, but it’s important to ask questions about how much money each program will save you before applying so that there are no surprises later on down the road.
Look at several doctors before deciding who you’ll use regularly
Before choosing a doctor, looking at several doctors and facilities is essential. You can research online or ask friends and family for recommendations. Make sure your health insurance plan covers your doctor or facility. If it’s not covered, it may be cheaper to pay out-of-pocket than for the co-payments associated with seeing them (if they are in-network).
Get regular annual physical exams
It’s essential to get a physical exam at least once yearly, if not more often. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any health concerns that you have that may need treatment or monitoring. They’ll also be able to check for signs of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses before they become severe enough to require hospitalization or surgery. The best thing is that your health insurance will cover the cost of these exams, and you’ll get them for free.
Final Thoughts
So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of the tools out there to make the most of your health insurance! It can be overwhelming at first, but with some research and helpful tips, you can save money on bills and get back on track with your health.
