9 health insurance hacks for freelancers | Oscar Rx | hioscar Blog | Oscar
9 health insurance hacks for freelancers
A few quick ways to maximize your healthcare benefits, even when you’re on a deadline.
How Insurance Works Oscar Health Insurance
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Paying for your own health insurance is expensive. You want to get the most bang for your buck, but studying your insurance plan is probably the last thing on your to-do list.
Whether you’re packed to the brim with clients or in between gigs, finding time to figure out your health insurance is always a challenge. Here are nine hacks you can use to maximize your healthcare benefits, even when you’re on a deadline.
1. Take advantage of your freebies.
Your health insurance plan covers free preventive care, which includes an annual physical, well-woman exam, certain types of lab work and vaccinations, birth control, and routine screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies. These types of benefits are a great way to get a sense of your overall health, manage pre-existing conditions, and stay healthy in the long run. Booking your annual physical is a great place to start.
2. Opt for generic drugs when possible.
Generic is a concept most creative people avoid, but when it comes to prescription drugs, choosing generic medications over name brands can save you some serious cash. Many health plans will pick up the tab for generic drugs or cover them with a low copayment. If you’ve got a high-deductible plan, generic drugs are the most cost-effective way to fill your prescriptions. Check with your doctor to see if you can switch your medications to the generic version today.
3. Have your Rx delivered straight to your doorstep.
Tired of waiting in line at the pharmacy? Check with your health insurance company to see if they have a mail-order prescription program, or ask your doctor about 90-day supply prescriptions. These benefits are available for many types of medications and can save you from unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.
4. Establish a relationship with a primary care doctor.
The internet is not a doctor. Now that you’ve got insurance, it’s time to nix e-diagnosing. If you’ve got a health issue that’s not an emergency, start by seeing your primary care doctor, who can offer you preliminary medical advice and guide you to fastest route for care. This will help you avoid unnecessary testing and expensive specialist visits.
5. Pick up the phone.
Some health insurance companies (like Oscar) offer free or inexpensive telemedicine services where you can talk to a primary care doctor via phone or online. It’s a fast, affordable option when you need care on-the-go or want a professional second opinion. Telemedicine doctors can treat conditions like basic eye issues, rashes, colds, sinus infections, and UTIs. If you’re in a pinch and need a refill for a basic Rx like birth control or blood pressure medicine, a telemedicine doctor can hook you up.
6. Book appointments at off-peak hours.
Most 9-to-5ers book their doctors appointments in the early morning, at lunchtime, and right after work. Start scheduling your doctor's appointments at off-peak hours, when there’re more available appointments, to see the doctor sooner and avoid wasting time in the waiting room.
7. Know where to get care.
Getting down to the wire on a deadline is nerve-wracking, but don’t let your nerves send you to the hospital. Consider all your options before you get care. Start by identifying your closest in-network hospital, urgent care, and primary care doctor so you know where to get care ahead of time. Always check in with your primary care doctor before you go to a specialist. If you have an urgent health issue that requires immediate attention, urgent care is a great option. Most urgent care clinics can treat moderate conditions like burns, cuts, bone fractures, and common skin issues. You should head to the nearest hospital only if you’re experiencing a true emergency.
8. Use online tools to save time.
Most health insurers offer online tools and 24/7 access to your health plan info. Check out your insurance company’s website or app for plan information, test results, claims, and to find in-network doctors. Booking your appointments online through your health plan’s website or ZocDoc, Vitals, and HealthGrades can save you time. Just be sure to verify that the doctors you book with accept your insurance before you make the trip in to see them.
9. Set up auto-payments for your premiums.
When it comes to deadlines, health insurance companies don’t mess around. If you miss a monthly premium payment, you risk losing your health coverage. If you have the option, set up auto-payments with your insurance company so you never miss a bill. How’s that for crossing something off your monthly to do list?
As a freelancer, you’re a master at using your resources to get the job done. Instead of avoiding your health insurance plan, consider it another tool to help you stay in tip-top shape so you can conquer that client list.
