If you have health insurance from your employer, odds are you probably have some kind of wellness benefits available to you as well. Do you know what they are? In addition to helping you be a healthier person, many wellness programs offer ways to put real rewards or dollars in your pocket! If you aren’t participating yet, you could be missing out.
1. What is a Carrier Wellness Program?
Most health insurance carriers also provide some kind of wellness program. Some are simple options while others may have more robust benefits. If you’ve heard of Go365, Rally, SimplyEngaged, RealAppeal, or Well onTarget, you may already be familiar with a carrier wellness program.
2. What’s In It For Employers?
Employers provide wellness programs because healthier work populations have a lower number of claims and lower absenteeism. In short, healthy employees are more likely to show up and are able to be more productive at work.
3. What’s In It for An Employee?
Wellness benefits are a part of your medical insurance coverage. The exact features of a plan will vary from employer to employer and plan to plan. The most robust programs will offer free benefits, rewards or actual dollars in your pocket for engaging in activities that you’re probably already doing, like walking or getting an annual checkup!
4. You might be eligible for free health benefits!
Many wellness programs include free health assessments and free biometric screenings. Proactive screenings for cholesterol levels, glucose levels, blood pressure or BMI can help detect issues early.
Some programs provide money for or access to professionals. Some programs offer weight management counseling, including tools that help you along the way like scales, recipe books, and workout videos.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) provide free access to counselors for emotional or mental wellness. You can have a confidential conversation with an expert if you are struggling to cope, feeling stressed, depressed, or grieving. You could even seek advice on how to navigate helping a colleague experiencing those feelings.
5. Free Stuff!
Did you walk at all today? If you did, your wellness program may reward it. Many programs let you accrue points for wearing a pedometer or a smart device that tracks your steps. Points can be used to get gift cards, dollars in your Health Savings Account, or discounts on new fitness devices, like a FitBit or Apple Watch.
6. It’s Secure and Private
It’s a requirement that any information you share be kept secure and private. Details about your health and activities are not shared with your employer in any way, except in the aggregate.
7. How Do I Know What’s Available To Me With My Plan?
Registering with your carrier online or by downloading their app is the easiest way to get details about what’s included in your plan. This is a great practice to become a more knowledgeable consumer of insurance. When you’re signed in, you’ll have access to view your in-network doctors, claims information and an explanation of your benefits. The info you see will be unique to you and your coverage.
Not a fan of apps? Call the number of the back of your insurance card. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what wellness resources are available to you.
8. Get Started!
The most essential component of a wellness program is to empower individuals to be familiar with and take control of their own health. Don’t pass up the chance to participate in the programs available to help you live a happier, healthier life.
About the Author
Michelle Hernandez
Wellness Coordinator