Five Easy Steps to Take Control of Your Insurance Benefits

Horizons in Hemophilia, January 2011

By Michelle Fitzwater, Managed Care Contract Specialist

Most of us start the New Year with resolutions.  I suggest that everyone add this one to the list this year:  learn about and take charge of your insurance benefits.  But don’t worry, this is not nearly as daunting as it sounds, and we can help you!  Here are five simple things you can do to accomplish this new resolution:

1. Call the HoG pharmacy in January to give us your insurance information. Many insurance plans have completed their open enrollment in the past months and you may have new insurance cards.  Even if you think your plan is the same, please let us verify this for you before you need to order.
   
2. Know your out-of-pocket costs with the plan.  Almost all insurance plans have an online portal to assist with this.  Sign up online and you can see what your deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are for the year.  This site will automatically show you your expenses as they occur.
   
3. Start a new file folder to track your healthcare spending. Make this as simple as possible!  If you signed up online you can see all of your Explanation of Benefits forms online.  If you are a paper person, keep those EOBs in a folder with one sheet in the front that you use to tally the costs during the year.
   
4. File for your flexible spending money. Flexible spending is a benefit offered to an employee by an employer which allows a fixed amount of pre-tax wages to be set aside for qualified expenses. Don’t forget about this money.  If you do not spend it, you lose it!  Add a second folder for these receipts.  Again, have one sheet in the front of the folder so you can keep a running total.
   
5. Ask for help. Your HoG Social Worker and I are more than willing to help you understand your benefits and offer guidance to help you stay insured.  Please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us if you have questions!

I hope you find these steps helpful as you take charge of your healthcare this year.  Make this your easiest New Year’s resolution yet!