3 Little-Known Perks Your Health Insurance Plan Might Have

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You may be surprised at the benefits you are entitled to.

Key Point

• Many people’s health insurance plans leave them stranded with large bills
• Your insurance plan may actually have the opposite benefit.
• Find discounts on gym memberships, medications, and mental health services.

Without health insurance, the cost of getting medical care can be truly astronomical and bankrupt. But unfortunately even When Even if you don’t have health insurance, you can still incur significant medical costs due to limited coverage or the need for services outside your provider’s network.

However, while many people with health insurance can still be plagued with high bills, some insurance plans offer many hidden benefits that can actually result in significant savings. Here are some perks that may be lurking in your plan without you realizing it.

1. Gym membership fee refund

You may love going to the gym to stay fit, but you may not be able to enjoy the $80 monthly credit card bill as a result of your membership. If your health insurance plan offers reimbursement for your gym membership, you may not have to pay for some or all of it.

Some plans require you to provide evidence that you actually went to the gym. To understand how you qualify, you’ll need to review the plan details. In addition, there may be a cap on the amount of compensation. For example, your plan reimburses you up to $800 per year, and if it costs more than that, you’re responsible for the rest. Still, it’s better than paying that entire bill yourself.

2. Free medicine

Many people are accustomed to visiting a pharmacy and being charged a copay for their medication. It can be $5, $20, or $80, depending on the type of medicine you need and whether it’s branded or generic. However, some health insurance plans offer free medicine. If you need things like birth control pills or cholesterol control pills, you may find that you are entitled to them without having to pay any out-of-pocket costs.

Additionally, bulk medications may be available for free, for example, 90 days of daily pills. In some cases, you may have to use a mail-order service, but it’s worth getting the details so you can save money.

3. A wide range of mental health services

Some health insurance plans are very generous when it comes to mental health services. You may have access to things like group counseling, individual therapy, free access to mental health apps, or other services that promote strong mental health.

Know what benefits you are entitled to

Reading the rules of your health insurance plan might not seem like the most fun way to spend an afternoon. However, it is important that you familiarize yourself with that information so that you can not only avoid extra charges, but also take advantage of the benefits that are available. If you have any questions about your benefits, feel free to call us at the number on the back of your card. Sometimes talking to a real person is the best way to get the information you need.