Navigating Healthcare Benefits as an Endo Warrior and My Money-Saving Tips
Navigating the financial side of managing endometriosis can feel like a never-ending battle. For years, even with insurance, I found myself shelling out thousands of dollars for treatments and appointments. I had this misconception that once I had insurance, everything would for the most part be covered, but boy, was I wrong.
Endo requires a multidisciplinary approach, which means seeing a whole team of specialists—from registered dietitians to mental health therapists and pelvic floor therapists, not to mention the endless doctor's appointments and tests. The costs add up fast, and before I knew it, I was drowning in medical bills. That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands and dive deep into my insurance plan to uncover any potential cost-saving opportunities. This is what I have found within my plan to save money. I highly recommend setting aside an hour or two and calling your plan provider to uncover healthcare savings you may be missing out on.
Peloton Subscription: My plan offered me to elevate my fitness routine with a complimentary Peloton subscription, available with or without equipment. While the free membership may offer fewer months for memberships including equipment, it's still a fantastic opportunity to access world-class fitness classes from the comfort of home. Plus, my insurance provider extended a discount if I chose to invest in a Peloton bike or treadmill, making it even more accessible. I love Peloton workouts because it allows me to manage my workouts around my flareups. The flexibility to turn it on whenever or wherever is so helpful.
Earn While I Walk: My plan allows me to harness the power of my steps with a unique incentive to earn up to $300 a year simply by walking. All you have to do is sync your Fitbit or Apple Watch to track your activity and accumulate rewards. Im able to cash out my earnings in a Visa gift card so that I can use it anywhere I would like. I just used it to pay for more medical bills.
Care Cash Program: My insurance plan offers a Care Cash program, which is a $200 debit card that functions similar to an HSA/FSA caard. It offers flexibility for co-pays and essential health purchases. It's a valuable resource to have on hand for unexpected healthcare expenses, providing peace of mind in times of need. The thing I love about it is if you don't use it, it will roll over to the following year. However, as an endo warrior I find it easy to spend $200 on my healthcare, usually all in one transaction.
Free to Low Cost Nutrition: Gain access to personalized nutrition guidance through Berry Street, a resource that proved invaluable in managing my endometriosis diet. Despite initial hurdles, I discovered that navigating my insurance plan directly through Berry Street allowed me to access a nutritionist at no cost per session. There are other platforms such as Fay or Plantain who also offer a directory of nutritionist and dietitians that take insurance.
One Pass Membership: Explore a diverse range of fitness options with the One Pass membership, offering access to various locations and on-demand classes. Whether you prefer yoga, strength training, or cardio, there's something for everyone—all included in your healthcare plan. If you have a gym membership already you can save money each month by taking advantage of this or the Peloton app.
Vision Coverage for Warby Parker: Simplify your eyewear shopping experience with vision coverage that extends to Warby Parker. Browse stylish frames and order glasses online, eliminating the hassle of traditional stores. It's a convenient option that aligns perfectly with today's busy lifestyles. It also allows me to work around my flare ups by being able to try them on at home.
Discounted Prescriptions: Save time and money on essential medications by utilizing a prescription mail service affiliated with your insurance plan. Not only do they accept manufacturer coupons, but the setup process is streamlined, ensuring your medications arrive like clockwork each month. I did this and it saves me about an hour or two a month of waiting at the pharmacy and a few hundred dollars. Eso!!
Pilates for Physical Therapy: I discovered the benefits of Pilates for targeted physical therapy. To find a qualified therapist, I turned to online resources and reviews to ensure they aligned with my needs. The sessions, typically lasting 45 minutes, focus on strengthening problem areas and complementing traditional workout routines. I then checked to see if they took insurance and were in network and to my surprise they were. But keep in mind this is not a workout class, its another form of physical therapy that is covered by insurance. its important to note I was unable to find this benefit through my portal as most insurance portals are not comprehensive. I did a google search and reached out to the facility directly to see if they took insurance, asked questions about billing and then searched in my insurance portal to see if they were in network. It took soem time but it was well worth it.
Virtual Urgent Care: Embrace the convenience of virtual urgent care for non-endometriosis-related health issues. My plan offers zero out-of-pocket costs, you can address minor ailments from the comfort of home—a valuable resource for busy schedules and unexpected health concerns.
So give your insurance company a call and see what perks they might be offering. If you don't have insurance be sure to ask question about additional benefits when shopping around for a new insurance provider.
Coco Elizabeth
Coco is an endo and adeno warrior with over over 20 years of experience navigating the ups and downs of endometriosis. She is an endometriosis lifestyle expert who loves sharing practical tips for living your best life with chronic illness. As a travel and food enthusiast, she hunts for cozy stays and endo-friendly eats while dishing out tips that make living life with endo a little less shitty. From taking cooking classes abroad and giving classic recipes a healthier twist to finding restaurants that cater to endo needs, she proves that life with endo can be an adventure filled with flavor and discovery!