3 services that may complement your health insurance

There’s more to staying healthy than just medical care. Sometimes it’s the non-insurance programs from your insurance company that can help you improve your health — and your life.

You book regular checkups with your doctor. And you’re always right on track with preventive health screenings. But there may be a few additional programs available to you through your health insurance company that you can take advantage of too.

These non-insurance programs are meant to help you address health concerns through access to virtual care, nutrition programs and more. Check to see if these 3 additional programs may be available to you. If so, they may be worth signing up for.

1. Telehealth memberships

These memberships are not insurance, but they can make going to the doctor as easy as picking up your phone. “They can provide convenient access to doctors via phone or video,” notes Rikin Shah. Shah is a financial services advisor in Greenbrae, California, and CEO of the insurance agency GetSure. A telehealth membership can be particularly helpful for people with limited mobility or who have few transportation options. But they’re also good for people who like the convenience of being able to see a doctor on their schedule.

Telehealth membership plans usually give you access to a group of licensed physicians who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for common illnesses via the telephone, 24/7, every day of the year (including major holidays like Christmas). Even better, there are no consultation fees or time limits for these calls.

Some of these memberships may offer other telehealth-related services for an additional fee, including:

Mental health. You can talk with mental and behavioral health specialists by phone or video from your home, office or wherever you feel comfortable. You can also book follow-up visits too. (Visit fees apply, and they’re not included in your monthly fee.)

A service like this gives you access to psychiatrists, psychologists or therapists. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. And while a psychologist doesn’t have a medical degree, they specialize in talk therapy and may be able to prescribe medication in some states.
Dermatology. With a telehealth membership that gives you access to dermatologists, you may get a diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions like acne, rashes or eczema quickly. You don’t need an appointment, and you can communicate with a dermatologist through an online message center. (Visit fees apply, and they’re not included in your monthly fee.)

If your health insurance plan doesn’t include virtual care, consider signing up for a telehealth membership for a monthly fee. Learn more online.

2. Dietary guidance

Sometimes all it takes to get back on track eating wise is a little help from a nutritional counselor. With non-insurance nutrition services, you’ll be paired with a team of specialists, including clinicians. They can consult with you over the phone or virtually.

They’ll help develop a personalized eating plan for you that works for your lifestyle, needs and health goals. In some cases, if you need access to weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 medications, you’ll be able to consult with a doctor.

Even better, many of these services offer programs to help change your relationship with food to create long-lasting healthy habits.

If you’re looking to change your eating habits, a nutritional, or weight loss, membership may be helpful. Nutrition counselors can come up with a personalized program, which may include GLP-1 medications, to help you lose weight.

3. Prescription discount programs

You’ve locked-in your medical coverage for the year so no need to worry about office visits. But what happens when that sore throat turns into strep throat and now you need antibiotics? How will you pay for the prescription? The answer is simple: a non-insurance prescription discount card. This card won’t cover the full cost of your prescriptions, but it can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Bottom line: Your health insurance company may offer valuable non-insurance services, which can help get you on track to living a healthier life. Explore your plan options, or talk to a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice. 

Compliance code:
50599-X-0324