In January, our minds often turn to our health. The first month of the year is a time for new beginnings and goal-setting, after all, and that goes hand-in-hand with improving how we feel physically and mentally.

As you consider your goals for the year ahead, remember to make the most of your health insurance. Your policy is there to enable you to make healthy choices, whether that means staying up to date on vaccinations, covering necessary health services and procedures, participating in relevant health-related programs or assisting with other wellness pursuits. To make the most of your benefits, it’s helpful to understand what’s available to you and make a plan. Here’s a health checklist to help you work towards your greater health goals. 

1. Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy. For most people, new insurance coverage starts on January 1. So now’s the time to acquaint yourself with your 2025 policy and avoid any surprises when you put it to use. First, make sure your insurance card is accessible. Then, log on through the member portal and check to see if your health care providers and prescription medications are covered by your plan. Next, see what you’re responsible for financially by looking up things like co-payments, co-insurance and your deductible (see the next section for what those words mean). And don’t forget to see what benefits your plan might offer, including discounts at gyms and partnerships with other health-minded organizations.
2. Learn the “language” of health insurance. Health insurance vocabulary can be confusing and even feel like its own language at times. Here are some common terms to learn:
   • Claim. A bill that your healthcare provider submits to your insurance company.
   • Copay. A set fee you pay for a healthcare service, such as a visit to a doctor or hospital, or for a prescribed medication.
   • Coinsurance. The portion of the cost for healthcare that you will pay after you’ve met your deductible. For example, if your coinsurance is 20% and you receive a bill for $100, you’ll pay $20 and your insurance will pay the rest.
   • Deductible. The amount you pay for eligible health services in a year before your insurance policy begins to share costs. If your deductible is $1,500, for example, you’ll pay for eligible costs for up to $1,500 before your policy helps pay for covered services.
   • Explanation of benefits. Your insurance company creates this document to outline what costs your insurance policy will cover for recent services and what you may owe. While it may look like a bill, it is not a bill.
   • Network. Your insurance company has agreements with particular medical facilities and/or healthcare providers to offer services at an agreed-upon cost. Those are referred to as “in-network.” “Out-of-network” refers to a provider or facility not on that list, which may cost more. 
   • Out-of-pocket maximum. This is the most an individual will pay in a year for eligible health services. After paying this amount, your insurance policy will pay for all other covered services.
   • Premium. This is the amount you or your employer pays monthly for your health insurance.
3. Make an appointment with your healthcare providers. Now that you’ve got your insurance materials organized, it’s time to make your first appointment. If you’re due to have a physical or update your vaccinations and screenings, now is a great time to schedule those. If you’re due to see the dentist, eye doctor and other specialists, make those appointments, as well (be sure you know whether or not you have dental and vision coverage before making those appointments).
4. If you’re struggling with your mental health, find support. Your insurance policy may cover mental health services, and if that’s the case, search for a provider in your area and make an appointment. If you don’t have coverage, the Alabama Department of Mental Health may be able to help, or at least direct you to the right organization who can.
5. Refill your prescription drugs. Since you have a new policy, it’s a good idea to call in your prescriptions at least a few days (or weeks) before you need them, in case of any possible delays or questions that could arise.
6. Familiarize yourself with FSA-eligible items. If you have a flexible spending account, you’ll want to use those dollars. Of course, you have the entire year, but it’s never too early to start. The IRS shares this list of items and services that are eligible.
7. Adopt healthy habits. While your healthcare providers are important, you, yourself, play the most essential role in improving your health. The choices you make every single day have an impact on how you feel and function. Here are some healthy habits to commit to in 2025:

• • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Limit how much sugar and processed foods you eat
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep
  • Participate in activities that relieve stress
  • Keep in touch with friends and family
  • Moderate your alcohol consumption
  • Quit smoking

8. Participate in a relevant health management program. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama offers a number of programs designed to support patients. The Chronic Condition Management Program, for example, can help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and asthma learn to manage their conditions through treatment and lifestyle changes. In addition, the Case Management Program pairs a nurse with members who are diagnosed with a new health condition or are awaiting an upcoming surgery; specialized nurses can also help members with new conditions related to oncology. And members who are diagnosed with or risk developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes can access nutrition and exercise counseling as well as motivational and educational support through the At-Risk Health Coaching Program. For all members, nurses and advisors are available to discuss medical needs and connect them with health, educational and community resources, just visit the Talk to a Nurse or Advisor page.   
9. Make a habit of reading our health and wellness articles. We want our members to be their healthiest selves, which is why we regularly publish articles about different health and caregiving topics on our blog. Thank you for reading this piece — we hope you check back regularly and continue learning!