Health insurance, a crucial family resource, typically receives less attention than other resources we rely on. Familiarizing yourself with all the services available through your health plan provider can help save you money and learn about resources you weren’t aware you have access to. Cigna has put together some great resources to help bring women confidently into this conversation.
Ensuring that your family stays healthy and has everything they need for their health care needs is not very different from ensuring your family is financially prepared for all other yearly needs. In the same way that you take regular inventory of your salary intake, budget your family’s grocery needs, prepare for upcoming financial milestones, and adjust your spending as needed, you can take a few easy steps to make sure you’re covered in the health care area too -
- Plan. We’re often great at budgeting household expenses like our mortgage, groceries or vacations, but many of us don’t think about budgeting for healthcare expenses. The more you can anticipate upcoming costs, the more you can save while still receiving the high quality care you expect for you and your family.
- Spend one night reviewing your healthcare expenses. Know what you have spent to-date and think about what your future costs may be. For example, will anyone need glasses or braces next year? Knowing what your current spending habits are and what your future costs may be, can help you budget accordingly.
- Prepare. There are a few things that you can do now to ensure you’re prepared to make quick decisions when the time is appropriate.
- Know where the nearest urgent care facility is. These facilities provide the same quality of care for non-emergent conditions as an ER, but have shorter wait times and are typically less expensive.
- Check your health plan to see if they offer a 24/7 nurse hotline to provide you with health-related advice around the clock.
- Keep the phone number handy for your local pharmacy. Prescriptions can be called in quickly, right from the doctor’s office, saving time.
- Prevent. Taking advantage of preventative services offered by your health plan could mean the difference between life and early death.
- Visit your doctor each year for a checkup – make the appointment on a memorable day so you remember each year to go! Also, take advantage of the free services offered, such as access to dieticians and nurses, who can answer questions and provide advice.
I encourage you to download the Mid-Year Health Check-in Tips to learn more about these steps and how to make the most of your family’s health plan. Like everything else in life, you should feel confident taking an active role in your health care, so make sure you’re informed and prepared.
Cigna has put together a great series of YouTube videos called “The Health Plan Conversation” to help further educate and empower you. Be sure to watch them all (starting with Episode 1 above) and get active in your own health care!
I know that the words “health care” can often stir feelings of partisanship in our country right now, but no matter where you stand on the political issues, you should take the steps required to ensure that you are knowledgeable, prepared, and empowered to take ownership of your health care plan and family’s wellness. Despite the government’s involvement (or not), you have a personal responsibility to know what is available to you, how to maximize it, and how to plan for current and future needs. Start with these great (and FREE) resources from Cigna.
Wishing you & yours continued health & a long life of wellness! :)
* This is a sponsored post. I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Cigna. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
