Benefit River

Early detection of a serious health condition may save your life.

Tests such as cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, prostate, and bone density screenings are examples of tests that are proven to be an effective way to catch a serious and debilitating illness. When individuals covered under a health plan lead healthy lifestyles and engage in wellness and disease prevention programs, their need for healthcare, and the cost of their health care is reduced. In other words, using the preventative services built into your health plan is a "win/win" for everyone involved.

Individual and family health plans offered to Colorado residents normally provide basic screening services such as mammogram, child immunizations, and prostate exam. Most health plans will also provide for your physical and other screening tests such as a Pap, colorectal cancer screening, prostate screening, and digital rectal exam.

Costs for preventative and wellness tests are shared between the member and the insurance company. Most plans will split the bill with you using the co-insurance percentage, and other plans will use a copay to share costs. Please note a few health insurance carriers still have waiting period requirements, however, waiting period requirements are generally being phased out of the health plans.

If health insurance reimbursment for wellness and prevention services is a top priority of your next health plan:

1. Colorado law requires health plans to pay for mammogram and PSA test.
2. Many H.S.A. plans cover 100% for screening tests. Examples include vision, hearing, cholesterol and lipid level, blood glucose test, prostate cancer, digital rectal exam, breast exam and mammogram, pelvic exam and Pap test.
3. Legacy health plans typically cover fewer preventative and wellness tests when compared to products designed in the past 10 years.

Please call BenefitRiver at 303-455-3414 for more information about wellness and preventative services available in your health plan.

Copyright: BenefitRiver, Golden, Colorado