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These five insurance tips will help you understand your benefits.

You know it’s important to have health coverage so you can cover expected (and unexpected) medical costs. But are you making the most of your insurance?

These five tips will make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, all while living your healthiest life.

1. Choose generic medications whenever you can

Generic prescriptions work just as well as name brands, but choosing generic can save you a lot of money. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic is available for any prescriptions you take.

Also, make sure you’re using your flex spending account (FSA) to pay for prescriptions if you’ve signed up for one through your insurance plan. FSAs allow you to set aside a certain amount of pre-tax money each year to pay for medical expenses.

2. Know when to visit urgent care vs. the ER

A trip to the ER can be costly. And while it’s necessary at times, often a trip to urgent care is all you need.

Knowing when to go to the emergency room or urgent care can save you time and money. ER copays are often much higher than urgent care copays, and depending on your emergency, you may have to wait a long time in the ER for care. With urgent care, you can usually be seen for minor injuries or illnesses with less wait time.

3. Use the discounts your insurance plan offers

If you want to join a local gym to improve your overall health, start with your health insurance plan. Some plans offer discounted prices, often with no long-term contract, to help you work a fitness routine into your healthy lifestyle.

Another perk might include discounts at local health and wellness businesses, including chiropractic care, physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy.

4. Stick with a primary care doctor

Finding a primary care doctor who you like (and trust) makes all the difference in your healthcare.

If you haven’t found one who feels right for you, talk to your family and friends to get recommendations. Ask them what they like and don’t like about their primary care doctor and whether they’d recommend them.

And when you find one you like, stick with that doctor. They’ll become your partner in better health, knowing what’s normal for you and what isn’t. As you build trust over time, you’ll feel comfortable talking about any health difficulties — or triumphs.

5. Read through your coverage documents

Every insurance plan comes with documents that explain coverage and benefits. Read them through to make the most of your health plan.

Each year during enrollment periods, review the upcoming year’s documents for the plan you’re considering. Sometimes an individual plan’s benefits can change slightly, so knowing the details will help you pick the right plan for your health needs.

Geisinger Health Plan offers coverage to fit

Looking for health insurance that puts you first? Call Geisinger Health Plan’s dedicated, trained advisors. They’ll partner with you from start to finish to find the plan that’s right for you. Call a Geisinger Health Plan representative today at 800-918-5154 (TTY: 711).

Next steps:

Here’s the cost of not having health insurance
Find an insurance that works for you with Geisinger Marketplace
Learn about shopping for insurance on a fixed income

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