Let’s discuss preventive care, do you know what’s covered and available free resources? As an employee covered under a medical benefit plan, there are certain services, including preventive care, that must be covered by your insurance provider. Preventive care is defined as the testing, procedures or services that help you avoid the onset of a disease or illness. This type of care can save you time and money, and — more importantly — it can save your life. It is estimated that only 8 percent of people get all their recommended health screenings. In this blog post, we will go over what preventive care is and why it is essential for maintaining your health. Plus, we will list some of the free resources available to help you access preventive care services.
Preventive care is the best way to keep yourself healthy and reduce your risk of illness or chronic disease. The goal of preventive care is to detect and treat medical conditions before they become serious problems. This not only prevents additional health concerns from arising but also improves your overall quality of life.
Preventive care typically includes:
- Regular physical exams
- Vaccinations
- Cancer screenings
- Blood tests
- Vision and hearing tests
These services are essential to maintaining good health, and they are generally available free of charge to individuals covered under a medical benefit plan using in-network providers. Many pharmacies are now entering the preventive care space by offering a one stop shop for vaccinations for you and your family. Even under a high deductible health plan, most preventive services are covered in full and not subject to the deductible so there are no financial barriers to seeking this care.
You should request a list of preventive services from your plan and be sure to receive them from an in network provider. You will experience higher out of pocket expenses and even the possibility of no coverage at all if you do not utilize a network provider. There are many free resources available to provide guidance on preventive care, including Healthcare.gov.
Another useful resource is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. For individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, they may be eligible for free or low-cost preventive care services. The website offers information on local clinics that accept patients with limited coverage, which can be tremendously helpful.
If you are looking for suggestions on what preventive care services you should seek, you can consult the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The task force is made up of medical professionals who provide up-to-date recommendations on preventive care services based on your age and gender. You can find their recommendations on the USPSTF website.
Preventive care is the foundation of good health, and there are many free resources at your disposal to help you prioritize it. Utilize available resources like Healthcare.gov and the USPSTF to access the care you need and be sure to have an annual discussion with your primary care physician. Keeping a healthy body and mind takes time, effort, and a commitment to prevention. By taking advantage of the available resources, you can take control of your health and create a long-lasting and healthy lifestyle. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Common Cents Tip$: Some preventive services are limited to specific timeframes such as once a year or once every five years. Make sure you know the schedule and keep track of preventive services like mammograms, bone density and colonoscopies before scheduling your next service.
