The Affordable Care Act has brought about many changes for health care plans. With over 180,500 Minnesotan’s purchasing these new plans during the first open enrollment period, the learning curve still exists. What do new plan benefits and programs offered look like? Are you taking full advantage of them?

Preventative Care

Preventive services that have strong scientific evidence of their health benefits must be covered and plans can no longer charge a patient a copayment, coinsurance or deductible for these services when they are delivered by a network provider.

This is a FREE service included in your plan. It includes a physical for men, an annual exam for women and wellness visits for children. For more specifics, see the links to resources below. We recommend that you call your doctor or clinic to schedule these important visits today and get them checked off of your list in the next few months.

Preventative Care Resources

Fitness Advantage

If you have a gym or fitness program membership and exercise 12 times a month you will get reimbursed for up to $20 per month. Additionally, you may earn up to $40 if you have a covered dependent who also workouts 12 times a month. Check your provider’s website for participating facilities. And if you need a refresher on the benefits of regular exercise, check out the CDC’s Guide.

Companies are increasingly offering more plans, programs and incentives related to health and wellness. We encourage you to look into your company’s offerings and participate or start a new movement! For inspiration, see what The Futures Company found out in early 2014 on Healthy Employees and Companies with Strong Cultures of Health and Wellness.

Quit for Life Program

Quit for Life is a tobacco cessation program to help people successfully quit their tobacco habit. By participating in the plan, you can lower your current health plan cost by 10%. These are only a few of the programs offered through your health plan. Check out your provider’s website for complete details.