My parents are lucky. Even though they are in their early 60s, they don’t have any serious health problems. But at their stage in life, they know an accident or illness is a real possibility. Since my mother and father are both self-employed, they went to the Health Insurance Marketplace last year to find health plan options, and were able to get coverage that fits their needs. But like many newly insured Americans, they felt that making sense of their new coverage was difficult. From understanding insurance terms, to knowing when to go to a primary care physician or the emergency room, to reading a statement of benefits – it can all be overwhelming, even for those of us who have had insurance for a while.
While it’s important to have access to health care, it’s also important to fully understand and to be comfortable using health coverage. Enter From Coverage to Care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched this unique initiative in 2014 to help consumers get the most out of their health insurance, and to increase use of preventive care among the newly insured. From Coverage to Care provides consumers a roadmap to guide them through locating a provider in network, setting up an appointment, knowing what questions to ask and what to do after the visit and more. The “Roadmap to a Healthier You” also helps users understand the value of preventive services. It features health management tools that the whole family can use, including a personal checklist for tracking important information such as screening results and vaccination records and an evaluation to help determine if the provider you selected is right for you. Additionally, From Coverage to Care also seeks to close communications gaps between patient and provider, and promote culturally and linguistically appropriate services to reduce health disparities and advance health equity.
Since 2013, the Affordable Care Act has made health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible, and millions across America – including many racial and ethnic minorities – have signed up for plans, paid their premiums and accessed quality coverage. This means many people are entering the health care system for the first time or gaining better coverage as a result of the Affordable Care Act. It is critical that they know about preventive services offered to them at no cost and the importance of preventive care in staying healthy. As Dr. Cara James, director of the CMS Office of Minority Health, said “We need to make sure that people who are newly covered know that their coverage can help them stay healthy, not just help them get better if they get sick.”
From Coverage to Care is an invaluable resource to help my parents stay on the road to a long and healthy life. It makes scheduling an annual check-up and remembering what tests and shots they need each time much easier. It makes being prepared to discuss potential concerns with their providers easier. And it makes taking charge of their health easier.
It also means getting the most out of their care, and I’m glad they have that peace of mind.
Visit www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mycoverage to learn more about the “Roadmap to a Healthier You” and get information about finding a health plan that fits your budget and needs. The Roadmap is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Haitian Creole.
Richard Washington is the Digital Media Specialist at the Office of Minority Health Resource Center.