New Year – New Benefit Maximums?

Many of the large (or most common) insurance companies reset their benefit maximums on January 1st.  Is yours one of them?

Dr. Rebecca, one of our three chiropractors, has a great blog post on her website about utilizing your extended healthcare benefits and we thought it would be the perfect time of year to share it with you, our patients. Dr. Rebecca points out that “navigating healthcare insurance coverage can feel confusing and overwhelming, and if you’re not taking full advantage of them, you might be leaving money on the table”.  Dr. Rebecca outlines some tips on how maximizing your coverage can help you save time, money, and stress.

We are sharing this post directly from Dr. Rebecca’s website.  Enjoy!

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I often hear people say they’re hesitant to use their benefits early in the year because they worry they might need them more later. Whether you have extended healthcare benefits through your employer, a government plan (like Alberta’s chiropractic coverage for seniors), or private insurance, knowing how to maximize your coverage can help you save time, money, and stress. Here are my top three tips to help you get the most out of your healthcare insurance every year!

1) Understand Your Coverage Details

One of the key steps to maximizing your healthcare insurance benefits is understanding the details of your insurance plan. Start by reviewing your plan’s annual limits and the reasonable & customary fees per appointment. This will help you determine the exact number of treatments covered per year for each healthcare provider covered under your plan. Many insurance plans include services such as chiropractic care, custom orthotics, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Knowing what’s available allows you to plan effectively, make informed decisions, and avoid unexpected costs.

2) Develop a Strategic Year-Round Healthcare Plan

Once you know your coverage limits, you can work with your healthcare providers—including chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and acupuncturists—to develop a personalized management plan. Scheduling your treatments strategically ensures continuous care throughout the year. For example, if your plan covers visits to these providers once per month, you might consider rotating these services weekly to maintain consistent well-being rather than using all your benefits early in the year and having gaps in care later on. This proactive approach keeps your treatments aligned with your health goals and maximizes your benefits.

3) Incorporate Exercise and Maintenance Care Strategies

Many healthcare providers recommend a maintenance care plan once acute pain is under control. This makes sense, considering that in Canada, about 30% of adults experience recurring low back pain within six months, and around 40% have a recurrence within a year, of their first episode.1 To get the most out of a maintenance care plan—such as monthly treatments—it’s essential to follow prescribed exercises and rehabilitation programs. This helps maintain the benefits of your treatments between visits, leading to better long-term outcomes and overall wellness.

By following these strategies, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your healthcare benefits year after year, while keeping your out-of-pocket expenses low. A little planning and knowledge go a long way in managing your health and finances wisely!

Want to make the most of your extended healthcare benefits? Along with chiropractic care, Dr. Rebecca also offers custom orthotics and the GLA:D Back Program. Get in touch today to learn more!

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a licensed healthcare provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.

 

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Click HERE to see the original post…and if you haven’t met Dr. Rebecca, this is a great time to check her out!

Please Note:  If allowed by your plan, our clinic accepts ‘most’ insurance companies for direct bill.  Please confirm coverage with your extended health insurance company prior to your appointment.  Some disciplines, such a Muscle Activation Techniques, Craniosacral Therapy or Reflexology, are not insurable at this time.  We invite you to visit Our Clinic webpage for more details about using your extended healthcare benefits at ABHC.