Know Your Health Benefits

OK, let me start out by saying, I totally understand that trying to understand your health benefits (health insurance) is like asking you to learn a foreign language. I worked for the State benefits division for 4 years, I learned so much and there is still much I don’t know, and I was entrenched in benefits. I say this to let you know that I do understand what a daunting undertaking it is to try to get a grasp of your benefits.

It’s the beginning of a new year and for many company sponsored health plans, it is the start of a new plan year. Pay attention to any changes to your health benefits. Were things added to your plan that you can be using? Were things eliminated that you used to use? Are you missing out on something that will save you dollars? Don't forget your flexible spending plan is use it or lose it. Check to see the deadline for 2009 claims submissions, your participation in diabetes prevention program may be covered.

Let’s face it, there are many people working just to have health coverage, heck, it’s in the news on a daily basis anymore, we are all hearing about the health care crisis. Speaking of crisis, something I have seen over the years is this: people who have health insurance and don’t take the time to understand it and then have a health crisis in their life or that of a loved one and then under duress, have to figure out their coverage and how to navigate it coupled with the health issue at hand.

I urge you to take advantage of presentations about your benefits. Read the information when it is sent. ASK QUESTIONS. There are no dumb questions. Well, there is one-“where is the ice cream? on the book shelf in the living room? Chances are, if you have a question, there is someone else wondering about the same thing.

So, what does all this have to do with you, the reader, who is simply trying to get through the 16 week Lifestyle Balance Program and make some healthy lifestyle changes? I will tell you. You may be missing out on ways to get reimbursed for your participation.

Things to look for If you, your spouse, adult child are covered under an employer’s health insurance:
· There may be benefits for preventive health.
· Does your employer offer a wellness program?
· If so, it’s worth looking into what is available to you-maybe there is a financial reimbursement for weight loss and/or physical activity participation.
· Need motivation to move? Are there walking programs through work? Are there exercise programs or a fitness room at your place of employment?
· You might be eligible for health club discounts through your employer.
· Perhaps you are eligible for free health coaching through your employee assistance program (EAP).
· Is there a program that covers nutritional counseling?
· Are you contributing to flexible spending? Check out the plan administrator website and see what is reimbursable. You’d be surprised at what you will find.
· Gee, this all sounds great. Who can I ask about this? Start with your Human Resources contact. If they cannot help you, they surely will be able to tell you who can help.

Another piece of free advice-Buy used exercise equipment. Check your local thrift shops, consignment shops and local newspaper ads (The Adit, Pennysaver, Thrifty Nickel), yard sales. People are always getting rid of those highly expensive “clothing racks”, you know, the treadmill that got used twice and now has a mound of clothing piled on it. Of course, if you go to the thrift store, you will want to make sure the equipment does work before you buy it. Check out bulletin boards at work, at the local supermarket for used exercise equipment. I scored an exercise bike for $80 from a bulletin board sign at work.

Be the FIRST to fill out the Survey Monkey Survey (link below) and win a Walking Your Way to Better Health Kit, includes pedometer and walking guide, include your e-mail in the comments section) https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NHYJ9FN