How to Pick a Health Plan When You Want Integrative Care

Welcome to this week’s topic about finding the best health care plan to support your desire for integrative care.

There are 5 main things you’ll want to keep in mind if you have the option to switch health insurance plans during this open enrollment period from November 1-December 15:
 

First: Are Your Preferred Providers Covered In-Network?

Check to see that the providers you actually want to work with are covered by your plan.

When you are given the list of possible plans either by your own search, the marketplace, or your agent, be sure to search for each provider you want to see in the provider directory.

Don’t forget to look for your alternative care providers, such as your chiropractor, acupuncturist, and massage therapist.

I did a live video about this on my Wellness Wednesdays Facebook Live. Click here to watch it.

 

Second: What Labs Are Covered?

Look into what lab tests are covered by your insurance. Usually this is a very small amount of labs, like cholesterol and blood sugar.

Find out which laboratory companies are the preferred options for each plan. Do these work well with your primary and specialty care providers?

Are you interested in getting specialty testing like a food sensitivity panel? Does the insurance plan you’re considering work well with specialty testing companies?

 

Third: Are “Alternative” Treatments like Chiropractic or Acupuncture Covered?

Many plans offer a certain number of these types of visits. How about the one you’re considering?

What is your co-pay for these services?

Is the plan more expensive every month because it offers these services? Would there be less cost to you if you paid out of pocket versus paying extra for this coverage?

 

Fourth: What Medical Care Do You Foresee Needing Next Year?

Will you simply be using your insurance for your wellness checks or do you know you need an expensive procedure?

If you’ll be seeing your primary care provider only once or twice to get your annual exams and screenings and don’t plan on much else, a high deductible plan might make sense.

This could free up cash-flow for specialty care and testing.

But, if you know you need a surgery or something else with a higher cost, it might make more sense to pay a higher monthly fee with a lower deductible.

 

Fifth: Could Working With an Agent Alleviate Stress For You?

A few years ago, I found an amazing agent to help me navigate the healthcare maze. She’s been particularly helpful with options for my small business.

Having an agent is great for objective advice and to make sure you know all your options.

A good agent will present you with the very best options for you and you don’t pay them anything.

If you want to get in touch with my agent, she is Rachelle Thayer of Northwest Strategic Insurance Advisors.

What other questions do you have? Comment below and let me know and share this post with friends who might also need this information.