Most of the nation's $4.5 trillion yearly healthcare costs go toward treating ongoing health problems. In fact, one widely quoted study found that only 8% of US adults receive all recommended preventive services, while nearly 5% receive none at all.
As someone who leads a church, your staff members often see you as a resource they trust. For those who think about their health care benefits, this can leave you as the one who has to be the “expert.”
But this also provides a great opportunity. You can use your expertise to encourage those around you to use their preventive health care services. Not only will it help keep your staff healthy, but it will save them money in the long run, too.
While many people search for the term 'preventative' online, 'preventive' is the term doctors and insurance companies use most often. But both terms are correct and interchangeable in everyday conversation and will be understood by healthcare professionals.
The purpose of preventive health care services is to prevent illness and disease. It includes regular checkups, shots, and tests. These can keep you healthy or catch issues early before they become a major problem. This type of care is the foundation of good health and can save you time, money, and worry in the long run.
One of the best parts of your benefits is that a lot of basic preventive care services cost you nothing when you use your in-network doctor. This means:
These free services include:
With insurance, dental preventive care is also free for children, including:
These services are typically included in most health plans, as required by law, with a few exceptions, such as grandfathered plans. It is also possible that a free service may result in additional fees. For example, if your doctor orders further tests or if diagnostic care is required, these would likely have costs associated with them.
By taking advantage of preventive care services, you and your staff could spend less time dealing with surprising or unnoticed illnesses.
Some insurers go above and beyond the complimentary services required by law. Plans from Reformed Benefits Association include modern tools that make staying healthy easier.
If you have the UMR Plan:
If you have the Surest Plan:
For everyone:
These services make it easier to fit preventive care into a busy day. You can find more information on the member's resources page.
Your health matters. It matters to your family, friends, and your church congregation. We encourage you to use all the preventive health care services in your benefits plan. Here’s how to get started:
If you have questions about your benefits or want to talk about them with staff, please contact us for extra support.
Taking time for preventive care isn't selfish — it helps you continue serving your congregation for years to come.
The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before acting on the information you have read above.