“Look after yourself” is a phrase we often hear and it’s a smart strategy when it comes to managing your health and your healthcare costs.
Most people think of health insurance as something you use only when you’re sick. But the reality is that today’s health plans are designed to do more. Preventative care, ongoing support and tools to manage your wellbeing are all part of the value they offer.
BF&M and Argus are encouraging clients to take proactive steps towards better health. The most consistent advice they offer is to make the most of your health plan by prioritising routine health checks.
“Getting your routine preventative health checks is an important step in getting personalised health advice,” said Shakira Warner, Head of Population Health.
“Not only can your primary care doctor help you form a care plan for your physical health, but they are also a good point of contact to get support for your mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Regular health check-ups can help spot issues early and avoid more serious complications later on. For long-term wellness, it’s essential to focus on building healthier habits. The key, Ms Warner noted, is to “make small, manageable choices”, “get support” and “be consistent” in following through.
While those efforts may not have an immediate impact on Bermuda’s overall health expenditure, they can reduce the need for certain medications or services for the individuals who adopt and maintain them.
“Looking ahead, reducing lifestyle-related health risks, such as alcohol misuse to [being] overweight, or even careless driving, can help reduce the number of claims tied to preventable conditions, both at the individual and community level,” she added.
Secondary prevention – taking steps to stop a condition from worsening – is just as important. While receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment may lead to higher initial costs, it can ultimately prevent more serious health complications and significantly reduce long-term expenses.
For individuals with a challenging diagnosis or returning home after a hospital stay, BF&M and Argus offer local case management at no additional cost to all their health clients.
“Case management involves a dedicated professional, such as a nurse, who works with individuals with complex health needs,” Ms Warner said.
“They help clients navigate their health benefits, coordinate with multiple healthcare providers, reinforce treatment plans and provide self-management education.
“Case management can also reduce claims costs through secondary prevention activities like promoting medication adherence, offering accountability and connecting patients to essential follow-up care such as rehab.”
Argus and BF&M customers interested in learning more about local case management services can email [email protected] or [email protected].
In addition to making the most of health insurance benefits, there are practical steps you can take right now to help manage your health and reduce unnecessary costs:
- Review what your health plan covers and what it does not ahead of seeking services. While price is not the only factor, compare prices for the same service with different providers for routine care (eg dental cleanings, eye exams, podiatry).
- Get cost estimates ahead of receiving services and check your medical bills carefully, to ensure you have clarity on what is being charged.
- Plan ahead for overseas care. Always seek pre-approval and use in-network providers, as out-of-network care often means higher out-of-pocket costs.
