With flu season around the corner, there’s no better time to take advantage of your wellness and preventative care benefits. Health isn’t just about treating problems after they arise—it’s about preventing them altogether. By using the benefits that are already built into your health plan, you can protect yourself, avoid major medical issues, and save money.
What Are Preventative Care and Wellness Benefits?
Preventative care includes routine screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups aimed at identifying and treating potential health concerns before they become serious. Most health insurance plans, including those offered through Meridio, cover these services at no additional cost to you.
Examples of wellness and preventative services include:
- Annual physicals
- Flu shots and vaccines
- Blood pressure screenings
- Cholesterol checks
By staying up to date on these services, you’re not only protecting yourself from illnesses but also setting the foundation for long-term health.
Get Ahead of the Flu with Vaccines and Screenings
Flu season tends to peak between October and March, making now the ideal time to schedule your flu shot. While getting vaccinated doesn’t guarantee you won’t get the flu, it significantly reduces your chances of getting seriously ill or spreading it to others.
Your health insurance plan likely covers flu shots at 100%, so take advantage of that benefit early in the season. Pair this with other wellness screenings, such as an annual physical, to get a full picture of your health.
When to Go to Urgent Care vs. Your Primary Care Doctor
Knowing where to seek care can save you time, money, and stress. Many health concerns can be addressed through your primary care provider, but urgent care centers are a great option when you need quick, same-day attention.
When to See Your Primary Care Doctor:
- Chronic issues (e.g., managing high blood pressure or diabetes)
- Routine screenings and annual check-ups
- Vaccinations, including flu shots
- Non-urgent concerns that need follow-up care
Your doctor knows your medical history and can help you manage long-term conditions. However, if it’s after hours or the issue can’t wait, urgent care might be the better choice.
When to Visit Urgent Care:
- Minor cuts, sprains, or burns
- Severe cold or flu symptoms (but not life-threatening)
- Infections (e.g., ear infections or urinary tract infections)
- Fevers or persistent coughs that don’t improve after a few days
Urgent care clinics are a smart choice for non-emergencies when you need immediate help. They’re often faster and less expensive than the emergency room, and most insurance plans will cover these visits with a reasonable co-pay (check your plan information for costs).
Emergency Rooms Are for Emergencies Only
If you have a life-threatening issue—like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions—head to the ER or call 911 immediately. However, for less serious situations, urgent care or your primary care doctor is often the better option.
Misusing the ER for minor issues can result in long wait times and high bills. By knowing where to go, you’ll avoid unnecessary costs and make sure emergency resources are available for those who need them most.
Save Time and Money by Planning Ahead
Using your benefits proactively saves money in the long run. Routine care is far less expensive than treating advanced health issues, and many preventative services are covered at no additional cost.
Some practical tips for planning your healthcare this season:
- Get your flu shot early to stay protected.
- Schedule annual check-ups before the holidays.
- Call your doctor’s office for advice if you’re unsure where to go for care.
- Use telehealth options when appropriate for quick advice without leaving home.
When you plan ahead, you avoid stress and ensure you’re making the best use of your insurance benefits. This includes knowing which urgent care and emergency room accepts your benefits plan, as well as having these addresses and phone numbers saved for when they are needed.
Meridio: Affordable Care with a Focus on Prevention
At Meridio, we believe that good health starts with prevention. That’s why our plans cover wellness benefits and preventative care at 100%. By offering low-cost, high-value insurance options, we empower small business owners and their employees to take control of their health without breaking the bank. Click here to learn more about Meridio’s benefit options.
This flu season, make sure you are protected by taking full advantage of your plan’s benefits. Preventative care isn’t just about avoiding illness today—it’s about building a healthier future.