five tips for making benefits planning simpler

In between the history of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, anemia and other history in my family it is critical that our family has great coverage, but making those decisions can be difficult and confusing. Right now is open enrollment time, and time to take your insurance coverage more seriously. Consider what you need most, where you can cut costs (if anywhere), and what options to choose. Here are some tips to help with this process:

1. Prioritize - What is most important to you and your family?

2. Calculate- How much can you afford to spend on deductibles. Make a budget!

3. Predict- Look ahead to doctors’ visits or health screenings such as mammograms, annual physicals, immunizations etc.

4. Compare Plans! If you have a choice between health plans, find the plan that gives you the biggest bang for your buck.

5. Would mail-order help me? If you order prescriptions regularly, it may pay to get them through the mail. Many times this is cheaper and more convenient, so why not consider this as another option?

Insurance is great, but there are many things that you can do to keep your body in the best shape it can be, and to prevent needing all these tests, and doctor's appointments. Here are just some suggestions. The first is to eat a balanced diet. Every doctor will tell you that a balanced diet and good eating habits are key for keeping the body and brain running at optimal levels. the second thing you can do is exercise. Even if you can't exercise regulary or get to a gym I've heard that short 10-minute bursts of moderate-intensity exercise, adding up to a total of 30 minutes a day, works just as well for people with sedentary habits. The third is physical contact, in loving ways, such as hugs. It's been proven that hugging your partner can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and so can owning a pet. I know that our cats definitely keep my blood pressue low. They have a calming effect on people :). The fourth thing you can do is take vitamin supplements, but don't go overboard. Many people don't get enough of certain vitamins and minerals, and vitamin supplements are a great way to fix this problem.

All of these things combined should help you to have a healthier body and lifestyle, and to be on the safe side, use the tips listed above (with asteriscs) to help decide on an insurance plan that is right for you and your family!

Health Benefits Planning

Health Care Reform Made Simple

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Aetna blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.