Things You Didn’t Know Health Insurance Could Cover - Page 16

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Most people only have to deal with their health insurance when something bad happens, or when it’s time for a standard checkup or procedure. Other than that, people can feel rather on their own when it comes to maintaining their health, and attending to more rare or particular health-related needs. Unfortunately, many people just don’t know that their health insurance will pay for several of their routine activities and treatments. Those who are part of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) in particular have plenty of preventative and alternative services available to them. And even individuals who have private insurance can usually add special services to their plan for a fee that is minimal compared to what those people were paying out of pocket each year for said services. So, if you do something regularly for your health, ask your insurance if they’ll help you pay for it. Here are 15 things most people don’t know their health insurance can cover.

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Massages

If a doctor prescribes you regular massages to alleviate chronic pain, your insurance may pay for part or all of those massages. You’ll just have to go to a massage therapist within your insurance company’s network.

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Reiki

The Japanese form of healing sends positive energy from the Reiki master to the patient. It’s proven to be very effective in speeding up the recovery of post-operative patients, and aiding chemotherapy. It’s often covered in plans that already cover alternative medicine.

Diapers for children with disabilities

If your child has a disability that makes it difficult or impossible for him to potty train, your insurance company should cover his diapers.

A hot tub

If a doctor prescribes regular hot tub time for a chronic condition like arthritis or poor circulation, your insurance company will most likely pay for part or all of that hot tub installation.

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Breast pumps

Health insurance companies have to help new mothers pay for a breast pump. Each company may have its own specifications, such as only paying for rented breast pumps, or only covering hand-pumps, but they will pay for them.

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A gym membership

If you have health insurance through your job, there is a good chance you can get a discounted membership with it. Many large companies purchase plans with preventative services, so as to keep their employees healthy and working for a long time.

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Weight loss counseling

Plans that include gym memberships also include partial or complete discounts on weight loss counseling. The Affordable Care Act offers counseling services for people who are obese.

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Mental health

Some health insurance policies cover mental health, and in many cases adding it to a policy can cost much less than you’d expect. If your regular physician prescribes you therapy, and therapy is in your plan, your insurance must cover it.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be covered in the treatment of conditions which have been proven to respond to this technique. Some of these include pregnancy nausea, chemotherapy-related nausea, and postoperative dental issues.

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Prescription formula

If your baby cannot drink breast milk due to allergies or sensitivities and must consume a special, prescription formula, your health insurance will cover it.

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Part of your vacation

Many major insurance companies know how important regular vacations are to your health, and so they offer incentives. Your company likely has a relationship with a major hotel chain, and offers discounts to those hotels.

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Yoga

If you feel that yoga is a critical part of your health and you practice it almost daily, look for a plan that covers it—they’re out there. If your doctor writes you an exercise prescription, you may get yoga covered.

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Pilates

Plans that cover yoga typically cover Pilates also, since it has been proven to help prevent chronic joint and muscle conditions.

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Tai Chi

If yoga and Pilates aren’t for you, there is a good chance that a health insurance company covering those also covers Tai Chi.