It’s that time of year when we have open enrollment for benefits. I am sure that many of you are getting shocking news of employee sponsored health plan changes.
It’s no secret that most companies’ primary goal is making profits. With health care costs on the rise and the declining health of many people, it is costing companies millions of dollars each year by trying to ease the burden on it’s employees.
In an effort to drive down those costs and to increase their profits, many companies are offering high-deductible health plans. These types of plans are geared towards those people who are in good health.
Both the employee and the employer save money because the employee does not utilize most of the services.
These high-deductible plans put more of the responsibility of YOUR health in YOUR hands.
According to an article in US News, the National Business Group on Health conducted a survey of employers regarding their health care plans for 2015. 81 percent of employers will offer a high-deductible plan (an increase of 72 percent from 2014).
A whopping 32 percent said they WILL ONLY OFFER high-deductible plans (an increase of 22 percent from 2014).
What does that mean for you?
If your employer hasn’t made the switch to only high-deductible health plans, they could do it next year. Or the year after. Regardless, it’s time for you to take control of YOUR health today.
Only you know what you put in your body and how you treat yourself. It’s not about being perfect, eating only broccoli, and working out every day. It’s your life as a whole.
It’s time to be brutally honest with yourself.
Ask yourself these questions about how you take care of yourself on average:
- Are you eating fast food or fried foods several times a week?
- Do you get out of breath when you take a flight of stairs?
- Are you 25 pounds or more overweight?
- Do you smoke?
- Do you drink more than 2 drinks per week?
- Are you stressed 3 or more days of the week?
These are fundamental concerns that can add up to BIG problems if left unchecked.
Before you sign up for your health plan, change your perspective!
Do you think buying organic produce and healthy food products is expensive? Hiring a personal trainer or health coach is too frivolous?
If you go to the doctor several times a year for common colds, diabetes, high cholesterol, or other miscellaneous ailments, you’re more than likely paying as much or more than you would by shopping and eating healthy or hiring a health professional to help you be proactive with your health. Not to mention that you probably feel horrible!
What is your health costing you?
When you go to select your health plan for the upcoming year, think of the price difference between the lower deductible plan and the high-deductible plan. The plan costs vary tremendously. You could be spending $100 – $200 per month MORE for the lower deductible plan.
If you have that additional cash in your pocket each month, what would your life look like if you put the money toward your health in a positive way?
Would you feel better? Would you be happier?
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to come up with the high deductible if something were to happen, then consider switching to a plan somewhere in the middle.
When I decided to make the switch to a high-deductible plan a few years ago, I thought to myself “If the worst were to happen, what would be the maximum amount of money that I would have to pay? Can I handle that?”. Once I determined what I could handle, I selected the correct plan for me based on my current health and my financial situation.
No matter which plan you choose, ALWAYS choose YOU!
It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. – Mahatma Gandhi
Take Action Now!
Tell me in the comments below how you are being impacted by health plan changes and what you’re going to do TODAY to take control of your own health (and destiny!).
I am here when you are Ready for H.E.A.L.T.H.™ – my coaching program where Habits and Everyday Activities Lead To Happiness™!
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