Enrolling in health coverage is just the first step. Now that you have coverage, there are a few things you need to do to take advantage of your benefits.
- Pay your premium. This is No. 1, the most important thing you must do. Your health insurance company will send you a bill for your monthly premium. You must pay this premium on time for your benefits to kick in and remain active. If you miss a payment, or you're late, your benefits may be canceled and you won't be able to re-enroll until next open enrollment.
- Understand your coverage. Your health insurance company will send you a welcome packet that describes your benefits in more detail. Take a few minutes to read through the information enclosed. It is important to know how much care will cost and where you should get care.
- Find a provider. If you haven't had health coverage in a while, or haven't been to the doctor in a while, it is important to establish care with a primary care provider. This is the main doctor you will see for wellness visits, when you are sick, or if you need a referral to see a specialist. Check your plan's website for a search tool to find a provider near you.
- Make an appointment. Health coverage is not only handy when you get sick, but the benefits can help keep you healthy and detect issues before they become problems. Contact your primary care provider's office to schedule an annual wellness exam. At that appointment, your doctor may order additional screening tests to assess your health. Early intervention can be key in helping manage health issues, so don't delay visiting your doctor.
- Bring your insurance card with you. When you visit your doctor's office or pick up a prescription from the pharmacy, you will need to present your insurance card so they can bill correctly. This will save you money on the visit or prescription, but also ensure your insurance information is on file for the future.
- Check your explanation of benefits. After any visit to the doctor, hospital, or specialist, your insurance company will send you a statement called an “explanation of benefits" or EOB. This is not a bill. It helps you understand what services were billed to your insurance company and what charges the insurer paid. Carefully check your EOB to make sure your provider or the facility is listed correctly, the correct tests or procedures were billed, and payments look correct. Errors can happen, and it is important to catch them as soon as possible to eliminate spending waste. This will save your insurance company money, but also can save you money on your final bill.
- Report changes to HealthCare.gov. If something changes throughout the year – you move, get a new job, have a baby, get married, etc. – you need to report these changes to the Marketplace. The Marketplace will recalculate your financial assistance to make sure you are getting the correct amount.
Do you have questions about your benefits or new health plan? It is best to contact your insurance company. Each company handles things a little differently, so it is best to get the information straight from the source. Are you having a hard time locating a provider near you? Give your insurance company a call. Sometimes, its online directory will not list the newest providers.