The beginning of the new year is a great time to set yourself up for success with your health plan. Most people don’t think beyond plan selection and may end up not making the most of their benefits, have a gap in care, and spend more money than they should.
Let’s walk through what you need to do to prepare for your healthiest year yet.
4 Things To Do Before the Start of the Year
1. If You Changed Plans, Be Sure to Pick Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)
You can do this by:
- Searching the provider search tool at www.vebaonline.com/benefit-contacts/
- Contacting our Advocacy team at 888-276-0250 or through an online form at www.vebaonline.com/contact/. Be sure to have the following information ready:
- Name
- Date of Birth or Social Security Number
- Medical Group
Note: If you do not select a PCP, one will automatically be assigned to you. You can change your PCP and medical group anytime during the year, but you cannot change your benefits plan.
2. Schedule Your Preventative Care Appointments
Preventative care visits are important for early detection and allow you and your doctor to work together to ensure you stay happy and healthy. During your preventative care appointment, your doctor will determine what tests or health screenings are right for you based on your age, gender, health status, and family history.
Read this blog post to learn more about preventative care and what health screenings you might be due for.
3. Review Your Benefits
Even if you feel confident in your knowledge about your plan, it’s a good idea to check your plan information again at the start of the year. Your best source of information is your health plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). It’s an easy-to-understand overview of benefits and coverage provided by a health plan. We put together a guide defining terms, sections, and information you’ll find in there. You can view the guide here. Knowing your plan’s coverage and benefits will help you get the most from your benefits and save you money.
4. Ask About Continuity of Care
If you’re changing plans in the new year and have certain health conditions, you can call your new plan and ask for continuity of care. The conditions eligible for continuity of care are:
- Acute conditions like pneumonia
- Serious chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
- Pregnancy
- Terminal illness
- Care of a child under 3 years
- An already scheduled surgery or other procedure
Each condition noted above has a different length of continuity. Discuss your condition with your insurance company early in the year to ensure that your care continues to run smoothly.
Take Charge of Your Health with Personalized Support and Resources
Now that you’ve selected your benefits, it’s time to take full advantage of the resources available to you. Whether you’re looking for personalized guidance or practical tools, these resources are here to help you make lasting, positive changes and thrive in your health journey.
- Whole Health Coaching: Work with a coach to create a plan that fits your unique needs, helping you improve your fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. Get started here.
- Health and Wellness Toolkits: Access practical resources that offer strategies to support your health, from managing stress to improving nutrition and fitness. Explore the full range of toolkits here.
We’re Here to Help
Please know that we’re here to support you all year. The VEBA Advocacy Team is here to help you navigate the healthcare system—whether it’s accessing care, dealing with referrals and prior authorizations, or making the most of your VEBA benefits for you and your family.
If you have any questions, contact our Advocacy Team at 888-276-0250 or visit us online at www.vebaonline.com/contact. For urgent requests, use the “Urgent” box on the contact form.
Additional Support for Life Changes
As you prepare for the new year, if you’re navigating a major life change, we also offer the Navigating Life Transitions program. This 8-week group course provides support, tools, and confidence to help you through any transition, with guidance from a licensed therapist.
