Creating A Health Benefit Gold Mine
This post originally appeared on Health Shift, Dr. Alice Burron’s Substack.
You search and search, pull up this document and that, and by the time you find what you need, you forget what you needed it for. It’s time to turn the search for benefits madness around using a “think ahead, speed ahead” mentality.
As the dust settles on another open enrollment season, now is the perfect moment to take charge of your well-being by organizing your benefits while it’s still fresh in your mind. While the term “benefits” encompasses a spectrum of workplace perks, let’s dial into the vital realm of health benefits—ranging from medical and dental to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), mental health resources, and vision coverage. Apply this method to organize all your benefits, too.
Before I give you the way, let’s explore why organizing your benefits is so helpful and valuable.
Clarity in Complexity: Health benefits can be intricate, with various plans, coverage levels, and providers. By consolidating this information into one accessible location, you gain a clear overview, making navigating easier when needed.
Emergency Preparedness: Life is unpredictable, and having your health benefits in one place ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. Quick access to your benefits can make all the difference, whether it’s a sudden health concern or a dental emergency.
Efficient Decision-Making: When you know the scope of your health benefits, you can make informed decisions about your health. From finding a healthcare provider who accepts your insurance to understanding the mental health resources available, being organized empowers you to take control.
Now it’s time to organize. Let’s create your Health Benefits hub.
Compile Information: Gather the details about your medical, dental, EAP, mental health, and vision benefits. Include plan names, coverage details, and contact information for providers.
Use the Health Benefits Hub: Take time and complete the information in the free Health Benefits Hub document. Store it somewhere easy to find for quick reference. Hint: Take a picture of it and keep it on your phone for easy access or put it on your refrigerator.
Whether you need routine dental care, mental health support, or a medical consultation, having the details at your fingertips streamlines the process and allows you to focus on what matters most—your health.
Take a moment right now to create your Health Benefits Hub. Simply writing down the information will help you recall it later.
Trust me, your future self will thank you when you need the information and find it in less time than it takes to say, ”Now, where did I put that information? I had it right after open enrollment…”
