Become a smarter health care consumer

Managing your health care can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to do what’s best for your health, your time, and your budget. The good news is that being a smart health care consumer might be easier than you think. It starts with knowing your benefits, advocating for yourself, and taking an active role in caring for your health.

Know your plan

One of the smartest things you can do is get to know your health insurance. Take 15 minutes to read your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). (You can likely find it right on this website. Or simply call the number on the back of your member ID card or ask the benefits department.)

This document provides key information about what the plan covers and what you pay for covered services — presented in an easy-to-read Q&A format, along with examples of how common medical events would be covered.

Next, log in to your medical plan’s website, where you can:

• Review your coverage details, like your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits — and track how your claims have been applied.
• Find doctors and facilities in your plan network — remember, staying in-network saves you money.
• Learn about additional resources or discounts your plan may offer.

It’s also a good idea to call your plan’s service representatives if you’re ever in doubt about whether a test, medical procedure, or prescription is covered.

Speak up at appointments

The most empowered health care consumers are the ones who act as their own advocate, asking questions when things don’t make sense. Depending on the reason for your visit to the doctor, consider asking:

• Are there any screenings or tests you would recommend for me at this time? What will it show? Is there anything special I need to do to prepare for it? How much will it cost? When and how will I be notified of the results?
• Why are you prescribing this medication? How will I know if it’s working? Are there any side effects? What does it cost? Are there less expensive alternatives available?
• Tell me more about this diagnosis. What caused it? What treatment options do I have? What are the pros and cons of each one, and how do the costs compare? What can I do to improve or manage my condition?

Prioritize preventive care

Getting regular preventive care is one of the best ways to protect both your health and your wallet. Recommended screenings, checkups, and vaccinations may prevent, minimize, or detect health issues — helping you avoid more serious (and costly) problems down the road.

You can also help prevent health problems by adopting healthy habits, like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Your daily actions are the first line of defense against illness and disease.

Keep track of your health

Keeping a simple record of your doctor visits, test results, prescriptions, and bills can make it easier to understand and coordinate your care. It can also help you spot billing errors, follow up with your provider, and track changes over time that may provide meaningful insights about your health.

Get started by:

• Saving visit summaries and instructions.
• Storing bills and Explanation of Benefits statements together.
• Writing down questions or symptoms for your next visit.
• Using apps to stay on top of your health with medication reminders, activity tracking, data organization, and more.

Think of yourself as a member of your health care team. The more involved you are, the better you’re able to take care of your health and manage your health care costs.

“Become a Smarter Healthcare Consumer,” Health Advocate Member Newsletter, (www.content.healthadvocate.com), December 15, 2025.
“Empowering Patients: How Being a Smart Healthcare Consumer Improves Health and Reduces Costs,” by Natalie Gardner, The Alliance, (www.the-alliance.org) January 7, 2025.
“How Healthcare Practices Can Keep Up With The Consumer Mindset,” by Robyn Tellefsen, CareCredit (www.forbes.com), August 5, 2026.
“What Should I Ask My Doctor During a Checkup?” National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov), February 3, 2020.