From making the appointment to your final bill, the health care process can feel overwhelming. With so many different care providers, costs and coverage types, it can be difficult to understand precisely how to use your benefits. But some of this complexity comes from common myths surrounding health care. Here are three significant misconceptions and some tips for making things easier to manage.
Myth 1: You’re On Your Own
Understanding the coverage terms of health insurance can sometimes feel like reading a foreign language. While it can be confusing to work out what your medical benefits actually cover — especially when it comes to special services and determining out-of-pocket costs — you don’t have to decipher it all on your own. There are services available to you and your family to help interpret health care. For example, Health Advocate service provides you with access to a team of Personal Health Advocates (PHA) whose focus is to assist you every step of the way.
Made up of health care professionals, like registered nurses, who have experience working in both medical treatment and health insurance, the team can help you fully understand your health insurance benefits. PHAs can help you with issues like finding providers, getting referrals to specialists and handling disability coverage. They can also answer any general questions you have about your medical benefits.
Myth 2: You Have No Prescription Options
Medication can be a vital part of your treatment plan. But as a patient, walking away with a prescription can feel like visiting a mechanic and agreeing to everything because you know nothing about cars. The reality is that even when a doctor prescribes a specific medication, you do have some flexibility in what you end up using.
Before your next doctor’s appointment, take some time to learn what medications your insurance plan covers. If your doctor suggests something that could cost you a lot of out-of-pocket, work with them to find a solution. There may be generic drugs or lower-cost options to treat the same condition.
Myth 3: The Price Is Set in Stone
When you receive a bill from your health care provider, you may be left scratching your head over the high prices. It’s a misconception that the price you see is always the one you must pay without question. The truth is that if you don’t understand a specific cost, you can still get more information to help you determine whether or not it’s correct. PHAs can help you review your bill and assist you in resolving any errors. They can even help you negotiate fees with providers to help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
When it comes to health care, the biggest myth of all is that it’s always consumers against insurance companies. Remember there are resources out there, like the Health Advocate service that can empower you to get the most out of your benefits. A Health Advocate PHA can help you every step of the way so that you can focus on your health.
