Check Your Insurance: New Year, New Benefits & Costs
As a new year begins, a review of health insurance policies is advisable, according to health officials. While many are aware that deductibles typically reset annually, changes to benefits and requirements within existing plans often go unnoticed.
Understanding Your Coverage
It’s not just about deductibles. Even if your overall coverage remains the same, the specifics of what’s covered – and how it’s covered – can shift. Taking the time to understand these changes could impact out-of-pocket expenses and access to care.
Cost-Effective Care
Beyond policy review, proactive cost management is also key. Dr. Tracy Muday, executive medical director for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, suggests exploring options for imaging services. “In general, getting your imaging, x-rays, CAT scan, MRI done at a stand-alone center as opposed to a hospital-owned center usually is less expensive,” she stated.
Public Health Trends
Regional health data reveals varying levels of preventative screening adherence. In the Pacific Northwest, breast and colon cancer screenings are relatively strong, but cervical cancer screening rates are lagging behind the national average. This is particularly concerning given the effectiveness of cervical cancer screenings.
Recent research suggests advancements in cervical cancer prevention. A study found that a single shot of the HPV vaccine may be sufficient to fight cervical cancer. The vaccine itself, administered to children, is also considered highly effective.
The Value of a Primary Care Physician
Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) can also streamline healthcare access and management. Dr. Muday emphasized that having a PCP is “helpful in streamlining your health care.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do at the start of the new year regarding my health insurance?
You should take another look at your insurance policy to see if benefits and requirements have changed, even if your coverage appears the same.
Where can I find information to help predict healthcare costs?
There are tools available online that can help predict costs, and it’s generally less expensive to get imaging done at a stand-alone center rather than a hospital-owned center.
What cancer screenings are falling behind in the Pacific Northwest?
Cervical cancer screenings are falling behind the rest of the country in the Pacific Northwest, despite being a highly effective screening method.
How will you utilize available resources to better understand and manage your healthcare costs this year?