Getting your first health card is an exciting part of being a responsible individual. From medical services to consultations, you can count on an organization to share with your expenses. But how can you actually maximize the benefits of your account?
Basic Benefits
HMO cards have specific benefits that may be classified as basic services. They include doctor consultations, room and accommodation and medical treatment coverage up to the agreed amount. The price of health cards will cover these services in general.
If you wish to put more covered services under your account, you simply have to pay for it. So how can you maximize the benefits of my HMO?
1. Avail Dental Services
Dental services are sometimes included in health card plans. They may come as a rider or as an availed service prior to registration. The most common benefits include but not limited to:
- Dental check up
- Oral prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)
- Basic and small filling (pasta)
Some HMO companies have their respective stand alone clinics where you can get dental services for free as part of your policy agreement.
2. Use for Shop Discounts
Did you know that some health cards are useful for purchases? Yes, there are plans where you can get shopping discounts from affiliate commercial stores.
For example, Maxicare has a promo that provides up to 20% discount for fitness lifestyle partner.
Medicard has member perks with promos for Executive Optical or Vision Express clients.
3. Undergo Annual Physical Exam
A physical exam enables you to catch any health problems early on. This benefit is usually included under the preventive care clause of the health card plan. You may choose to avail this feature at an accredited hospital or clinic if the package indicates the service.
The most common benefits under the APE include:
- Physical Examination
- Chest X-ray
- Urinalysis and Fecalysis
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- ECG
- Pap Smear for female members
4. Pay Membership Annually
Most HMOs collect payments annually for membership. However, they also offer semi-annual or monthly installments but with a higher membership fee overall. If you can afford to pay for the whole year in a single transaction, you should do so since rates are much lower this way.
5. Use Teleconsult Services
There are health cards that include 24/7 consultation services through electronic media. You may consult with a real and licensed physician anywhere you are. As long as you have the internet, a doctor’s expertise is just a click away.
A Teleconsult service is an ideal mode of check up since it eliminates travel, effort and professional fees. If it is included in your plan, maximize it through unlimited consultation sessions.
Do health cards with promo packages reduce the MBL? No, it is a part of ongoing campaigns that are independent of whatever plan you availed. You can use the card as long as it is within the promo mechanics.
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