Dedicating time and headspace to planning can set you up for a health care approach that’s preventive rather than reactive, and that can offer peace of mind.

 

• Do you have a health care notebook?

Being organized is the key to preparation during stressful times, so keep a journal or even use an app on your smartphone.

• Notes during doctor appointments
• Questions for your provider
• Plan of action between visits
• List of medications, dosages, and regimen
• Results of recent blood work, blood pressure, and other tests
• Dates of vaccinations, ongoing treatments, and surgeries

 

• Do you know the lingo?

Knowing the basic medical verbiage can help you with better decision-making when you’re under pressure.

• Premium: The amount you pay for your health insurance every month
• Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan kicks in
• Co-payment: A fixed amount you pay for a covered medical service
• Coinsurance: The portion of the cost of a covered health care service you pay after you’ve paid your deductible
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you pay for covered services in a plan year

 

• Do you have tools to help with Medicare?

Make it a habit to review your plan during each open enrollment period. Things change in life and coverage, and you don’t want to be caught unaware.

• What’s Covered app– You can look up whether Medicare covers a service
• Procedure Price Lookup – Discover if it’s cheaper to have a procedure done at a hospital outpatient department or an ambulatory surgical center
• Plan Finder – Compare plans based on location and review extra benefits and pricing

 

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