June is here, which means we’re already halfway through the year. Time flies!
Since many health insurance policies follow the calendar year, this is a good time to evaluate your plan and how you’ve used it. Are there benefits you could be putting to work? Are there doctor appointments you’ve been meaning to make, or screenings you’ve been putting off, like that colonoscopy? Take time this month to catch up on your health goals so you can sail through the second half of the year knowing your health insurance plan is being put to good use.
Here are some steps to get started:
- Schedule a check-up for yourself and your family members. Summer can be a slower time for some doctors’ offices, as families head out on vacations and take time off. That means you may be able to schedule a timely appointment with your primary care doctor. If your kids need a camp physical, sports physical or school physical, there’s no time like the present. As a parent, it may also be a convenient opportunity to get a physical. At the appointment, you can be sure you’re up to date on your immunizations and ask your provider if you’re due for any cancer screenings. If you’re planning to travel this summer, you can address any health concerns or questions you might have as you prepare for the trip.
- Make appointments for any cancer screenings your doctor recommends. If your doctor says you’re due for any cancer screenings, such as a mammogram or a colonoscopy, make the appointments and get them taken care of this summer. Screenings can sometimes feel inconvenient, but they are important. Regular screenings may help find some cancers early, when they may be easier to treat.
- Take stock of the mental health resources available to you. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health. People go to therapy for a whole litany of reasons, including managing their emotions and stress, improving self-esteem, addressing substance abuse disorders and more. To find out if your specific plan covers mental health services, log in or register for myBlueCross to view your benefit booklet. Some plans include Lucet, which can help members access behavioral health resources. Also, some employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), which may include counseling, coaching and online resources. Be sure to check with your employer to find out what might be available to you.
- Familiarize yourself with your policy’s wellness programs. Many people aren’t aware that their health insurance offers programs and perks beyond covering medical appointments and services. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama members can access Blue365, for example, which offers discounts for fitness apparel, footwear and gym memberships. Members can also log in to find wellness programs and educational videos. And Baby Yourself is a free maternity program that provides access to a free Baby Yourself app, where you can track your pregnancy and access a timeline view, kick counter, contraction counter, size guide, weekly checklists and more. To learn more about the programs you have access to, visit AlabamaBlue.com.
Health insurance is designed to help protect your health and finances. When you make the most of your plan’s benefits, you’re taking steps to prevent illnesses in addition to accessing care when you’re sick. Through regular screenings and preventive care, your provider may be able to detect potential issues before they become serious, which could result in lower costs and better health outcomes moving forward. Plus, you’re already investing in your health care plan; why wouldn’t you make the most of it?
