“How’s your medical plan working for you?”

That’s not a very common question, is it? It’s one that I needed a little time to think through myself, especially now that it’s time for Open Enrollment. When I was younger (and by younger, I mean in my 20’s), I wasn’t nearly as interested in the details of my healthcare coverage. I knew that it was important to have, that I was looking for an employer that offered coverage, and that I wanted a low co-pay. Since pursuing my entrepreneurial path, and settling into my 30’s, I’ve become much more aware of what my plan covers, if I’m allowed to see an out of network provider, and also what my deductible is. I am blessed to be in good health, and only go to the doctor when I am sick, or getting my check-ups, or going in for lab work.

If you’ve found yourself in a life stage change, or if it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your coverage, I encourage you to take some time this Open Enrollment period to review your options. It’s been easier for me to review by thinking about what I want out of a plan, and what my priorities are, health-wise.

Have you ever thought about your healthcare goals? It’s an easy way to narrow down what you need and will help manage your expectations along the way. My healthcare goals include:

• Having a partner in my doctor. Someone that listens to my concerns, and can address them with professionalism and kindness.  I tend to request more blood tests than the average person because leukemia runs in my family. It’s important to me to have a doctor that doesn’t brush that off.
• Access to modern birthing centers. I’m not pregnant now, but hope to be in the near future. My fiancé are talking about when we’d like to expand our family after our wedding, and I’m looking for a committed OB and a facility that prioritizes women’s health and the environment in which my child is born.
• Flexibility when it comes to counseling and other specialized medicine. Life happens, and I want to be able to choose who I see and not be told.

 

Open Enrollment can seem like one more thing to add to your to-do list, but it’s an important time to evaluate your current coverage and make the best decision for you, you and your mate or your family. Whether you keep your current plan or make a change, make sure the network you select helps you reach your goals and not sweep them under the rug. Dignity Health is one of the nation’s largest health systems with a multi-state network of 10,000 physicians, 39 acute care hospitals and over 400 care-centers including hospitals, urgent care, home health, and primary care clinics. They believe that everyone deserves expert medical care that is kind, compassionate, and heart-centered.

Visit dignityhealth.org/enroll for more information on open enrollment, advice on choosing a health plan, and to find a doctor – or as I like to say – healthcare partner – in your area.

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Photos by Kai Skye

Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Dignity Health. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support the blog!