Summer is a great time to revisit your benefits. Whether you’re planning for travel or looking to get more from your coverage, these seven tips can help you make the most of your benefits this season.
1. Check your Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Summer is a good time to check your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum so you can plan care more strategically. You can track both in your explanation of benefits, your carrier’s member portal or app, or by calling the number on your insurance card. If you’re close to meeting your deductible, it may be a smart time to schedule any care you’ve been putting off.
2. Plan Your Paid Time Off (PTO)
Summer is a good time to review your PTO balance, accrual rate, and workplace policy so you can plan ahead. Check whether your PTO rolls over or follows a use-it-or-lose-it rule, and factor in time you may want later in the year. If you tend to save your days, consider using some this season to rest and recharge.
3. Use Your Preventative Care Benefits
Annual physicals and well-visits can help catch health issues early and are typically covered in full when you see an in-network provider and schedule them as preventive care. If you or your child haven’t had a checkup yet, summer is a great time to book one before back-to-school schedules fill up.
4. Plan Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Spending
Summer is a smart time to check your FSA balance and understand your plan’s rollover rules so you can make the most of your funds. Many plans don’t allow full rollover, though some offer a grace period or limited carryover. Reviewing your balance now gives you time to use it on eligible expenses like prescriptions, copays, sunscreen, first-aid supplies, and over-the-counter medications.
5. Schedule Your Dental and Vision Care
Vision and dental benefits are easy to overlook, but they can help you stay on top of routine care and reduce costs on services like cleanings, eye exams, glasses, and other covered procedures. Because these benefits typically don’t roll over, summer is a smart time to schedule appointments, especially for children before the back-to-school rush.
6. Don’t Forget About Mental Health
Summer can bring added stress, from busy schedules to childcare and travel demands. Check your health plan for mental health benefits and see whether your employer offers an employee assistance program (EAP) for free, confidential short-term counseling. You don’t have to wait for a crisis, review your options now and take steps to support your mental health.
7. Review Your Coverage Before You Travel
If you’re traveling this summer, take a few minutes to review your coverage for out-of-state or out-of-network care and look up in-network providers near your destination. Keep your insurance card handy so you can confirm benefits, avoid billing issues, and contact member services if needed. For nonurgent concerns like rashes, allergies, or stomach bugs, telehealth can also be a convenient, lower-cost option, just be sure to check your plan’s coverage.
Summary
As summer begins, reviewing your benefits can help reduce stress and ensure you make the most of your coverage in the second half of the year. Download the bulletin for more details.
