This is to advise that although I received compensation for this post, the opinions contained within are my own.
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As I’ve aged, I have become increasingly concerned about maintaining my health and vitality. I pay attention to what I eat, my level of physical activity, how much I sleep and how I feel. With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) running through December 7, 2014, the time to review insurance selections to support this lifestyle is now.But if you are anything like me, you may be experiencing anxiety over your ability to stay healthy and manage health costs. For this I will need a basic guide for making health benefit decisions.
I am not alone in this respect. A new survey by Cigna confirmed that for most people, good health is tied to financial security. This “Health and Financial Well-being: How Strong Is the Link” survey included 1,847 insured women and men from across the nation who have health care coverage with many different carriers. It showed that seniors ages 65+ have unique health care concerns. The quiet conversation among many of my friends supports these key findings:
• Half of people age 65 and older say unexpected hospitalizations are their biggest cost-
related health concern.
• Management of chronic disease becomes a greater focus among seniors, but similar to
those ages 25-64, seniors define health and wellness as more than just avoiding illness:
it’s physical, emotional, mental and financial.
• 82% of seniors already have or would like to have supplemental Medicare coverage like a
Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.
• 91% of seniors view overall cost as a key factor in choosing a health plan.
One of the ways I want to support my personal health challenges is to work with a Wellness Coach. From perusing the Cigna website, I learned that wellness coaching is an option for certain chronic conditions with some plans. Knowing this makes it easier to narrow my choices.
Everyone can benefit from a basic guide for making health benefit decisions. What should we be thinking about when making our open enrollment decisions? How can we use our present circumstances to inform a new decision. Because the choices we made a year ago may not be appropriate going forward.
You can relax knowing that Cigna has resources to help you meet your personal health goals
and make informed decisions about your health. Take a look at Cigna’s online resources and leave a comment below to let me know if you have questions.
(Note that AEP for seniors is different from the open enrollment period for individuals enrolling in the Exchanges, which runs from November 15 through February 15, 2015).
Esther says
So important to re-eval, if possible! Yes, it’s essential. ..
Patricia A Patton says
Indeed.
Vaneese says
Health insurance is so important and I’m glad that there are programs offered that include things like Wellness coaching. I know not too long ago, when I was in the human services field, we often had trouble getting things like that and behavioral health services covered. I’m glad that health care is starting to look at things a little more holistically.
Patricia A Patton says
The wellness coaching is the bomb. And I couldn’t agree with you more about the improved approach. I just get a little concerned that so much is now put on the patient.
Cathy Chester says
This is a wonderful public service announcement, Patricia, and its message needs to be heard. When I went back to school to get my patient advocate certification this was one entire segment that we needed to learn about: insurance. Boring, yes, but necessary.
I’ve been on Medicare for several years now. But I have no secondary cause it’s too damn expensive. It scares me, though, if anything catastrophic happened…
Patricia A Patton says
Thank for reading Cathy. Insurance also feels like it is more than one can handle. But it is indeed necessary.
Lisa at Grandma's Briefs says
The Cigna site sounds like a huge help. My insurance is SO confusing. Thankfully the Rx company I use for specialty meds does conference calls with all involved parties (including insurance) so we ALL know what’s covered and such. I’ll check out the Cigna site. Thank you!
Patricia A Patton says
Do check out the Cigna site. Its packed with info.
Elin Stebbins Waldal says
Your post is timely, although I am not part of this enrollment period yet, I am reminded that it may be advantageous to look at the different carriers and the ways in which they structure benefits. Thank you for the informative post.
Lois Alter Mark says
Healthcare is so vitally important – and yet so utterly confusing. I will check out the Cigna website because it’s great to know they offer resources to make this whole thing a little easier.
Tammy says
Health plans change all the time. I’ve seen many people who are “covered” by their health insurance plans but have found themselves having to pay exorbitant amounts towards their care. Premiums go up, choices and coverage options diminish. Whoever said money can’t buy you health was wrong. Money can buy an excellent health plan and compensate the overflow without the stress. Priceless. I am unfamiliar with Cigna. Perhaps it’s time.
Patricia A Patton says
It is true Tammy, health plans do change. It is true that if you have money you do appear to be able to buy better health. I definitely think it’s important to know your benefits. Thanks for reading and sharing.