Insurance Checklist: What You Need to Know in the New Year
A new year often means your health insurance benefits are starting anew. Reviewing all the details is a great way to gain peace of mind and know your coverage details.
The time you spend reviewing your plan will pay off. You can see if there are money-saving programs you can make the most of. Follow this checklist to make the most of your plan in the new year.
Will I Receive a New ID Card?
All members will receive new ID cards when the plan year starts. Make sure you keep all your cards with you, including those for Flexible Savings Accounts or Health Savings Accounts. You can’t use them for payments throughout the year if you don’t have them with you.
Did You Register on the Member Portal?
You can easily sign up on AveraHealthPlans.com, using your member ID number. Once you do, you’ll have a 24/7 access to your health plan information. You can also download and use the Avera Health Plans app. On either front, you’ll find easy ways to review plan details, view your claims as they are processed and locate information about providers in your network.
Are You Ready for Out-of-Pocket Costs?
This is the time of year that deductibles start over, so you’ll have more out-of-pocket costs for any health care expense that doesn’t have a co-pay. Try to budget for these upfront expenses and track your payments so you know when your deductible is met.
A lot of preventive care is included with your premium with no extra cost. We say it every year, but January is a great time to assess your needs. Schedule your yearly wellness visit if it’s been more than a year and make a list of other screenings you might be eligible for:
- Colon cancer screenings
- Breast cancer screenings
- Immunizations
Many of these exams are considered covered preventive services.
Can You Save Money?
Check to see if your plan has any services or incentives available as part of your plan, called value-added services. This can include a fitness center incentive or savings on virtual care visits. You might also have access to a care management program if you have a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes.
What are Your Options for Care?
Preventive care is just one part of your plan. Throughout the year you and your family will likely deal with issues that pop up at unexpected times. You have more options for care than just the emergency room.
Knowing which care option to use for certain situations can save you time and money. For instance, Avera Health Plans provides:
- The 24/7 Avera Medical Call Center for advice on the best options for your needs. Just call 888-282-8372.
- Most members can use the convenient Avera Virtual Visits, available 24/7/365 and in all 50 states in the U.S.*
- Many plans include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with three no-cost counseling sessions each year.
- Urgent care clinics for after-hours and weekend care available throughout the Avera Health Plans service area.
- Specialized urgent care for orthopedics and behavioral health needs.
Are You Covered When You Travel?
You have options, but it’s important to present your member ID card at the time of service. It’s also important to know what after-hours and emergency care you have access to as part of your plan. Be sure to read the fine print of your Summary of Benefits and Coverage so you know exactly what to expect.
More Information
Get the details of your benefits by logging into your member portal.
Looking for a Coverage? Compare plans and benefits for yourself or business.
*This service is available to most members, with some limitations. IRS guidelines indicate that members with HSA-eligible plans may be subject to tax penalties if they use the free Avera Health Plans Virtual Visits service. If you have an HSA-eligible plan, you may use your HSA or Flex spending dollars for this service.
