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Benefit Spotlight

Easy Medical Answers

2022 March, Benefit Spotlight February 9, 2022

Sometimes we need a little bit of quick, basic medical advice to guide us rather than hopping into the car and driving to the doctor.

A nurseline is one such service. Available through many medical plans, a nurseline provides 24/7 access to trained healthcare professionals (often nurses and sometimes doctors) who help address basic healthcare questions and help you figure out what your next steps should be — whether you can safely manage your condition at home or whether you need to go to the doctor or emergency room. These can be questions about symptoms you are experiencing, medication side effects, and what you should do to care for yourself after basic injury or illness. You can also ask about medications you are currently taking and side effects you may be experiencing. Some nurselines can also help you find care nearby. Exact services may vary based on your insurance provider, so be sure to check your provider’s website to see what nurseline services are available to you.

RESOURCES:

Call the nurse line for expert advice – Mayo Clinic Health System
24 hour nurse line: Your access to healthcare information | Blue Cross Blue Shield (bcbs.com)
CareLine: 24/7 nurse line for members and patients | HealthPartners

Is An HMO Right For You?

2022 February, Benefit Spotlight January 24, 2022

Picking an insurance plan from year to year can feel like sorting through a full alphabet soup of acronyms. After a while, it can be hard to tell the difference between your HDHPs and your PPOs.

A plan that’s been out of the spotlight for some time is the HMO, which stands for Health Maintenance Organization. Like any health plan, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing those can help you make a more informed decision regarding whether an HMO is the best plan for you and your family.

HMOs operate on a network system, which means an HMO gives you access to a group of providers (doctors, hospitals, etc.) that has agreed on certain pricing for members. This is one of the HMO’s greatest advantages: it is generally an inexpensive plan with low monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs that focuses on preventive health, like annual checkups.

However, most HMOs will only cover visits to in-network providers, with the exception of emergency care. This means that if you already have a primary care physician (PCP) or other doctor who is not in the network, your visits will not be covered at all and you will be responsible for the entire cost. Similarly, many HMOs require you to select an in-network PCP to coordinate all your other care through. For instance, if you need see a specialist, your PCP will likely have to provide you with a referral to another in-network provider. There are also often other restrictions on coverage – the plan may only cover a certain number of visits or tests.

While HMOs are generally inexpensive plans, they contain many restrictions on care. If you are healthy, only see the doctor once or twice a year, and don’t foresee any major health complications, this may be a good choice for you. If you have any chronic health conditions, need specialist care, or see a doctor regularly, you may be better off choosing a plan that offers more flexibility.

RESOURCES:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – HealthCare.gov Glossary | HealthCare.gov
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) « Welcome to the Home of CT Health Channel
PPO vs. HMO Insurance: What’s the Difference? | Medical Mutual (medmutual.com)

PTO Health Perks

2022 January, Benefit Spotlight December 22, 2021

When we were kids, we looked forward to that golden stretch of summer vacation – three months off from our regular routines, school, and homework. It helped revitalize us. As adults, taking PTO is equally important for your health and productivity.

Working long hours without sustained breaks can substantially increase your risk of stroke or heart attack, according to the World Health Organization. Taking time off, on the other hand, can reduce these risks.

Vacation is also great for your mental health. Time away from your inbox decreases your body’s production of cortisol, a hormone caused by stress that puts your body under strain. Research shows that taking time off gives your brain a chance to rest and relax. This in turn boosts your productivity when you return to the office, which can help you enjoy work more and feel more fulfilled by it.

While a week-long stay on a beach might be the dream, even short breaks create great benefits. Taking a long weekend can be incredibly beneficial. Even a random day off in the middle of the week now and again is good for your brain and body. Whether you’re taking a half-day or a half-month, it’s important to be intentional about this time. Set up your out-of-office message and plan to respond when you get back. Plan to not answer work-related phone calls. The benefits of vacation decrease if you’re not really disengaging – so log out of your inbox and fully commit yourself to relaxing. Your brain and body will thank you!

RESOURCES:

Why Taking Vacation Time Could Save Your Life (forbes.com)
Four reasons to take a vacation (apadivisions.org)

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