Congratulations! You have a job that offers employee benefits. Now what? To make the most out of your benefits package, you need to understand what it covers. Here are 5 tips to help you dig into your company’s health and wellness benefits.
Tip #1: Review all plan materials
You could be leaving valuable savings on the table! For example, some health insurance policies may include perks, like discounted gym memberships, to encourage employee wellness. Some dental insurance plans include a third-cleaning benefit for people with certain conditions, like diabetes. Remember, you can’t use your benefits if you don’t understand what they do or don’t cover.
Tip #2: Use your internal resources
Your HR team likely knows the answers to your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask them! They want to help you! One thing we’ve learned as Arizona’s #1 dental insurance company is that employers offer benefits because they care about their employees.
If your benefits provider offers online tools or newsletters, be sure to sign up for them! Take your time reading newsletters and highlight important sections or write down any questions you may want to bring to HR. (By the way, Delta Dental of Arizona has a newsletter archive you can check out.)
Tip #3: Don’t forget about your ancillary benefits
Look beyond your medical insurance. Get to know your vision, dental, 401k, life insurance policy, or any other benefit your company offers. These benefits are often part of your larger benefits package because employers care about your overall health and wellness.
Tip #4: Check and see if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Many employers offer an EAP that provides no-cost services and access to programs including child or elder care, relationship assistance, mental health services, financial or legal aid and wellness matters. EAP services are often available to the employee, their spouse, their children and their non-marital partner living in the same household.
Tip #5: Take advantage of preventive care visits
Many medical plans offer one free wellness visit a year. This often includes a review of your medical history, potential risk factors for depression and mood disorders, medications and your ability to perform daily activities.
Don’t forget that taking care of your overall health includes your oral health. Many dental plans cover preventive care, like your annual cleanings and exams, at 100%. During a routine checkup, the hygienist will remove tartar and plaque from around your teeth and gum line, which helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. The dentist will examine your mouth and can spot areas of concern and help you address them early, so they don’t become more costly problems down the road. Visiting the dentist twice a year is the best way to keep your mouth in great shape and to stay on top of your oral health!
Some plans even reward you for getting your preventive care! For example, employees with a DeltaVision plan with One & SunTM can claim a free pair of nonprescription sunglasses after their preventive eye exam.
Knowing your benefits helps you manage your health
At the end of the day, your employers want you to take advantage of your benefits. That’s what they’re there for! With a better understanding of your employee benefits, you can have a key role in your overall health and wellness.
Looking for other resources to help you make the most of your wellness benefits? Check out these other blog posts:
