3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Extended Health Benefits.
Discover expert tips and strategic advice on making the most of your extended health insurance. Learn how to navigate coverage details, optimize benefits for massage therapy, and make informed choices for your holistic well-being.
Unlocking the full potential of your extended health benefits can be a game-changer for your well-being. Many folks, however, miss out on these perks year after year, often due to a 'save for a rainy day' mindset.
Instead of waiting for a health crisis, let's explore three simple steps to maximize your benefits, keeping your body and wallet in top shape all year round.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
How well do you know your extended health benefits plan?
According to the 2023 Benefits Canada Health Care Survey, 49% of plan members understood their plan only somewhat well, not very well, or not at all, up from 35% in 2018 when this question was last asked. Pretty scary, don't you think?
Ask yourself the following questions:
Do you know when your plan resets?
Do you know which paramedicals are covered?
Do you know how much is covered for each paramedical service?
Do you have a health spending account?
Do you know if your plan covers your spouse and children?
Do you have additional coverage through your spouse?
If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s time to get to know what’s available.
You should be able to find the answers to these questions in your benefits booklet or on the insurance company’s secure website. If you’re having trouble finding the details, don’t hesitate to contact the Human Resources department for more help.
Get to know your coverage
Understanding your health benefits plan is the first step to getting the most out of it. If you're unsure when your plan resets, which services are covered, or if you have additional coverage through your spouse, take the time to find out.
Here’s a list of information you need to know to establish a plan of care for the upcoming year. An informed approach can help you plan and avoid the last-minute rush.
When does your plan reset?
Most plans reset in January however, some plans (i.e. education workers) reset in September.
Which paramedicals are covered, and how much?
Generally speaking, people know they have dental and vision care coverage. Most plans also include paramedicals such as massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and naturopath, just to name a few.
Is it an amount per service or a lump sum?
Some plans will state a maximum per service (ie $500 for massage, $500 for chiropractic, etc.), while others will give you a lump sum to use as you see fit (ie $1200 for paramedicals, you choose which services you want to use)
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Do you have a health spending account?
A HSA typically covers services or expenses not included in the paramedical coverage.
What is covered?
Does it roll over?
Does your plan cover your spouse and children?
While you may be an expert at maximizing your benefits, what about your spouse and children? Massage therapy isn't just for grown-ups; it can also work wonders for children by alleviating concerns like poor posture and muscle tension, promoting better sleep, and relieving tension and anxiety.
Do you have additional coverage through your spouse?
Many of us struggle to make the most of just one benefits plan, let alone try to get the most out of two! Having two plans can mean twice the coverage for paramedical or even other health professionals not covered by your main plan. Make sure to compare and combine both plans to get the best out of your coverage.
Download the Benefits Checklist to help you along the way.
1) Make a plan
Identify the services you regularly use, such as massage therapy or chiropractic care, and work with your healthcare provider to create a plan that suits your needs.They may also be able to recommend other services which might also be beneficial to your health and well-being.
Space out your treatments to make the most of your coverage.
Appointment times are typically at a premium, so booking ahead is a great option if you know you want a certain day at a certain time.
Being proactive is the key to getting the most out of your benefits.
2) Submit your claim right away or find a provider who offers direct billing
Life gets busy, and if we don’t submit the claim right away, we risk forgetting about it. Reimbursements are time-sensitive. You typically have 12 months from the service date to submit your receipts for payment.
Many insurance providers have made it very easy to submit your receipts for reimbursement through a secured website or an app on your phone.
If you don’t want to worry about the logistics of submitting claims, find a clinic that offers direct billing. They submit directly to the insurance provider for payment, and you are responsible for covering the difference (if there is any).
“To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our minds strong and clear.”
3) Invest in yourself
Investing in yourself is like putting money in the bank – taking care of your health today can save you a lot of trouble later on. Many people don't use their extended health benefits because they think they only apply when they're sick or hurt (aka rainy day mindset).
However, treating these services as a preventative measure can ensure your body is moving well, whether you're an athlete or an office worker. Life can be complicated, so figuring out how to get the most out of these benefits can make a big difference in how you feel physically and mentally.
“If you do not make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness.”
About the Author
Jeannine Weddell, RMT, is a registered massage therapist with the CMTO. With a passion for holistic wellness, Jeannine is dedicated to helping clients find relief from jaw pain. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.mlniagara.janeapp.com.
