Healthcare in America is expensive. Therefore, many of us have private insurance to help reduce these costs. But, are you getting the most you can out of your coverage? While we rely on our health insurance to cover copays and prescriptions, they offer many other benefits as well. If you’re looking to get more out of your healthcare, you can save with these health insurance free services and discounts.
7 Health Insurance Free Services and Discounts
1. Telehealth Services
When you live alone, it can be tough getting to your appointments. It becomes even more complicated for those who can’t drive or have mobility issues. When it was too much of a struggle for my grandparents, they would often skip important visits and neglect their conditions. Ignoring the problem often led to more health issues later on.
However, many health insurance policies offer free telehealth services to address this problem. Instead of leaving their home, members can make virtual appointments to ensure they have access to the care they need. This gives them an opportunity to speak with their doctor or other medical staff if they can’t make it to the office. Not only does it save the time and trouble of commuting, but it also offers more flexibility. You can make appointments around your schedule and create a healthcare plan that is more convenient for you.
2. Preventative Care
Recent reforms in healthcare have led to federal statutes that require health insurance companies to offer free preventative care to their members. The goal is to make managing your family’s health easier and more affordable through free health screenings, immunizations, and counseling services. There are also more specific provisions for women and children, making sure they get the peri and post-natal care they need. It’s good for both your fiscal and physical health to take advantage of these free services.
3. Medical Equipment
Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult for those on a fixed income to afford medical equipment. But, you’ll be happy to learn that your health insurance may be able to provide it for free!
Many providers pay for the vital equipment you need to monitor and treat your chronic conditions. This includes a wide variety of devices including blood pressure and heart monitors, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, and even fitness trackers.
Taking advantage of these subsidies can save you a lot of money and improve your quality of life. For example, many provide free devices for the hearing impaired. While you wouldn’t think you would have many options with free equipment, they usually offer a selection of styles to ensure you get a comfortable fit. Then, it usually includes free cleanings, batteries, and in-office visits as well.
Women who are breastfeeding can also get assistance to purchase pumping devices. These can cost hundreds of dollars. But, your plan may cover a portion or the entire cost of the machine. And as children get older, they may also provide other types of safety equipment such as bike helmets and home safety kits for your family.
Keep in mind that your personal benefits will vary depending on your policy. So, you should contact your insurance company to learn more about your policy.
4. Wellness Coaching
Health coverage shouldn’t only be about treating illness but also promoting a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, many health insurance companies offer free services and coaching to help you reach your health and fitness goals.
They have many resources such as specialized counseling to support you with many aspects of your physical and mental health. These services cover many conditions, but some of the most common include:
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- ways to reduce and manage stress
- how to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle
- educational resources to treat and manage existing conditions
- therapy to help you through the challenges and setbacks
When you participate in wellness coaching, you have regular sessions with a counselor to evaluate your habits and create a plan to reach your goals. They can also introduce you to free tools to help you track your daily progress and achievements. Although there is no immediate financial payoff, adopting a healthy lifestyle and utilizing wellness coaches now can prevent costly health issues down the line.
5. Fitness Memberships
Regular exercise is an important part of your physical health. While this can take many forms, I prefer to go to the gym to help me stay in shape. However, there are a variety of health club memberships to choose from, all at different price points. Some of these are way out of my price range. But, your health insurance can help make it more affordable.
Our insurance offers free classes to try new activities and discounted memberships for added motivation. Others have told me that their policies cover the full cost when they prove they use it regularly. This is one way you can reap the benefits and reclaim a little money for your monthly budget.
6. Apps
Fitness memberships are a great way to help you stay healthy. However, there are many others who prefer to work out in the privacy of their own homes. And thanks to technology, there are new ways to access digital content.
I was excited to learn that some health insurance companies include access to apps like ClassPass, which has classes and workouts from thousands of fitness trainers across the country. You may also qualify for a free subscription to meditation apps to help you manage your stress. These apps are just one more way your health insurance can provide free services that save you money and give you a better quality of life.
7. Rewards Program
Positive reinforcement has always been the most effective motivation for me. I’m more likely to put in the hard work when there are rewards involved. Health insurance companies know this and have incorporated it into their health insurance plans. Now, many offer cash, gift cards, and discounts for hitting your health goals.
If you check your policy, you will probably find programs that offer incentives and rewards. Some offer discounts for taking health assessments and reporting on your progress. Others will send you other freebies for going to your regular checkups and monitoring your health. And to make it even more enticing, they will also let you choose your rewards. With savings like this, there is no reason not to become more proactive with your health.
With such a long list of perks, it’s impossible to list them all in one place. Your health insurance provider will be your best source of information. You can either call or log into your online account to see what health insurance free services and incentives can help you save on healthcare.
Read More
- Indications That Your Health Insurance Plan Isn’t Right For You
- 3 Affordable Alternatives to Health Insurance
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.