August is National Wellness Month

As we wrap up August and National Wellness Month, we want to dedicate the space to share more about aspects of wellness that are often overlooked: access to preventive care and diagnostic testing. 

More than 90% of the population is insured, yet many do not take full advantage of their policy’s extensive coverage. A simple policy review with your agent can reveal a wide range of preventive and wellness services that may be going unused.  

“Some people sign up for health insurance but don’t think about using it until they’re sick,” Messer Financial Marketing Associate Danae Singer said. “If I can give one piece of advice, it’s to talk to your agent and understand your coverage. There are often hidden benefits.” 

Singer mentions some of the benefits commonly referred to as Essential Health Benefits (EHB), which are part of all Affordable Care Act (ACA) policies. Before ACA selling season begins, insurance agents can educate clients about the benefits and subsidies they may qualify for. 

The EHB umbrella of care includes laboratory, emergency, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse, maternity, newborn care, pediatric, rehabilitative services and devices, ambulatory patient services, preventive, wellness, and hospitalization. 

Families who purchase ACA plans can maximize their benefits to avoid some of those “back to school” expenses by using their plan’s benefits for school and sports physicals, vision and dental exams, and immunizations.  

All HealthCare.gov Marketplace health plans among others must cover a long list of preventative services without charging policyholders a copayment or coinsurance, even if they haven’t met the yearly deductible. 

Among the preventive care benefits are Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, Diet Counseling, Tobacco Use Screening and Cessation Interventions, Well-Baby, and Well-Child Visits. All services must be delivered by a doctor or other provider within the network plan.   

In the last enrollment period, enrollees could buy plans for less than $10 per month, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The plans offered, along with advanced Premium Tax Credits (PTC) generated more sales than ever before.   

The upcoming ACA season, which runs Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025, will provide uninsured people with ample opportunity to secure affordable healthcare. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 90% of Marketplace enrollees will receive a PTC. 

Today’s process of enrolling in a medical plan has been made easier. Most agents can enroll you in less than 10 minutes. The real work is knowing your health needs before enrollment. Acquiring good health and longevity is possible through screenings and preventive care provided in most policies. 

To learn more about Messer Financial, an insurance brokerage firm with a national footprint, call 866-568-9649 or visit messerfinancial.com.