HEALTH PLAN GUIDE

Making the Most of Your Health Plan Benefits

A practical guide to using your coverage all year round

As spring rolls in and we head toward the middle of the year, it’s a good time to take stock of your health plan and make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to. Many people leave valuable benefits unused simply because they’re not sure what they have or how to access it. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what to look at and how to take advantage of it.

1. Set Up an Online Account with Your Carrier

If you haven’t already created an online account with your health insurance carrier, this is one of the most useful things you can do. It gives you a central place to manage your coverage and stay on top of your health.

Here’s what you can typically do through your online account:

• Track your plan usage — doctor visits, lab work, specialist appointments, and more
• Check which preventative tests you’ve completed and which ones are still outstanding
• Earn rewards — many carriers offer incentives for completing preventative screenings
• Access OTC benefits that are only available online
• Access the online provider search tool

If setting it up feels daunting, ask a family member or trusted friend to help you get started. Once it’s done, it’ll save you time and confusion down the road.

2. Preventative Care — Don’t Wait Too Long to Book

Annual physicals, mammograms, A1C checks, and other screenings are typically covered at no cost under most health plans — but you actually have to schedule them to benefit.

Here’s the catch: doctor’s offices get busy. Well-check appointments can take anywhere from two to four months to secure. If your birthday or plan year is coming up in the summer or fall, now is the time to call and get on the calendar. Waiting until a month before means you may miss the window entirely.

Log into your carrier’s online account to see which preventative services you’ve already completed — and which ones are still due.

3. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits

Many health plans include an OTC allowance — money you can use to purchase everyday health items like vitamins, pain relievers, cold medicine, and more. These benefits are often time-limited, so it’s worth checking your balance and using it before it resets.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Not all pharmacies or retailers accept OTC benefits — always check which stores are eligible for your plan.
• If you’re unsure where to shop, a quick call to your carrier’s customer service line will give you a definitive answer.
• Some plans only allow OTC benefits to be used online. In that case, you’ll need an online account with your carrier to access them.

4. Fitness Benefits

Fitness benefits have expanded well beyond a basic gym membership discount. Many carriers now offer:

• Subsidized or free access to fitness centers and gyms
• Fitness tracker reimbursements or discounts
• Apps and digital tools to help you set goals and monitor activity
• Wellness programs tied to rewards or premium discounts

Spring is a great time to take advantage of these — whether that means getting outside for walks and hikes, or checking out a local fitness facility on rainy days. Log into your plan’s online portal and look under your fitness or wellness benefits to see exactly what’s available to you.

5. Dealing with Network Changes

Insurance networks shift more than most people realize. Doctors leave networks, hospitals renegotiate contracts, and what was covered last year may look different this year. If you’ve received a letter saying your doctor may be leaving your network, don’t panic — but do act.

Your best resource is your carrier’s customer service line. They can:

• Confirm whether your current doctor is still in-network
• Help you find a new in-network provider if needed
• Walk you through transition options if a change is coming

It’s also worth checking in periodically even without a letter — especially before scheduling any major appointments or procedures.

Bottom Line

Your health plan is only as useful as your awareness of it. A little time spent reviewing your benefits — especially mid-year — can save you money, help you stay on top of your health, and make sure nothing goes to waste. When in doubt, call your carrier. That’s what customer service is there for.