Given the choice between good health and feeling poorly, anyone would choose to be well. You can increase your odds of enjoying good health for many years by following a road map to health.
First, make good health a priority in your life by getting your recommended screenings and managing chronic your conditions.
Second, be sure you understand the health insurance coverage you’ve enrolled in — whether privately purchased, through your employer, Medicare or Medicaid.
Call the phone number on your insurance card, and ask about costs you must cover yourself, such as monthly premiums, co-payments and deductibles.
Find out about in-network and out-of-network services. Be sure you’re clear about coverage of services such as dental work, dentures, vision exams and glasses, hearing exams and hearing aids, cosmetic surgery, foot care and alternative services, such as acupuncture.
Naturally, you want to take advantage of all your benefits, plus you want to avoid receiving services that you thought were covered but are not. Avoid unexpected co-payments!
Third, keep healthy by taking your prescription medications. When you are prescribed medication, speak up and let your provider know which insurance you have. It could make a huge difference on your co-payment.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
