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The health insurance landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years. More and more individuals and families are enrolling in high-deductible insurance plans resulting in more out-of-pocket expenses.
Unfortunately, this is leading to a growing number of people who avoid seeking treatment from their health care providers. There are options to get quality health care with your high-deductible plan and even reduce out-of-pockets expenses. Here are some recommendations.
Free services
One of the positives to come from the Affordable Care Act is that preventive screenings and some procedures are available to everyone at no cost, regardless of what type of plan they have. Contact your agent or health insurance carrier for a complete list of free services you qualify for. Early detection makes sense for your health but will also save you money in the long run as you avoid more serious health issues.
Ask questions
If it’s necessary for the doctor to prescribe medication, ask if there is a generic available. Dr. Brian J. Rodgers with BodyRenu adds, “Don’t hesitate to ask your physician if there are supplements or lifestyle and nutrition changes that can even eliminate the need for prescriptions.” If your physician needs to run tests, ask if all of the tests are really necessary. Ask if your physician offers alternatives to office visits such as Skype visits or communication through an online portal or via the telephone.
Stay in network
Even if your high deductible plan has you paying more out-of-pocket, you may still pay less for the services if your provider is in-network. If you need tests run at an outside lab, make sure that they are also in-network. Some tests done at out-of-network labs may not be covered by your insurance, may not go toward your deductible or get the in-network negotiated discount. Some clinics, such as BodyRenu, also arrange for a lower cash pay option with some labs.
Use a Health Savings Account
Some high-deductible insurance plans allow you to set aside pre-tax earnings in a Health Savings Account, which is money allocated to health care expenses. These funds can be used for a variety of services and may also be used to purchase supplements. It is important with these programs to keep good records. Save your receipts and any other documentation related to services paid for with your health savings account.
Pick the right facility
BodyRenu offers an innovative practice model known as Direct Primary Care to meet the needs of individuals with high deductible plans. This approach offers patients appointments, services and better access to the physician for a monthly membership fee, which can be paid for using an HSA or flex spending account, without involving your insurance company in the process.
Dr. Rodgers states, “When coupled with a high deductible plan, direct care membership plans can give individuals higher quality health care while reducing out of pocket expenses.” Currently, there are over 2,000 direct primary care providers across the country.
Take control of your health
The best way to get the most of your insurance is to change your relationship with your doctor from one that simply addresses symptoms with medications to one that focuses on attaining and maintaining optimal health. Dr. Rodgers points out that facilities like BodyRenu, which take a functional medicine approach, help individuals reclaim their health and reduce their need for prescription medication.
“Optimal health can be reached as we discover the root cause of illnesses and address them with nutritional and lifestyle changes, rather than just use band-aid treatments for symptoms," he says. "It’s a methodology that leads to healthier individuals who can enjoy life again, and reduces their health costs over the long run.”
Ultimately, it’s up to you to take control of your health care. The best patient-doctor relationship is one that helps you create a healthy lifestyle and reduces your need for acute care and prescription medication. Asking the right questions, taking an active role in the process and following the lifestyle and nutritional recommendations of your physician allow you to be proactive about your health, which can lead to reclaimed health and optimal health expression.
Attend an informative seminar on Tuesday, October 25 at 5:30 pm at BodyRenu or visit bodyrenuhealth.com to learn more about the benefits of direct care membership and functional medicine, and to discover your journey to optimal health. Call 801-677-0039 today to attend the seminar. Dr. Brian J. Rodgers D.O. is an osteopathic physician specializing in anti-aging and regenerative medicine and is an expert in functional medicine.
