Your End of Year Health Checklist

As we begin to say “goodbye” to 2023, now’s a great time to think about your health needs. Here's a helpful checklist to make sure you’re starting next year off on the right foot.

 

• Schedule any doctor’s appointments

Didn’t have time for your annual checkup this year? Call your doctor to try to schedule one soon or for the early part of next year. Your checkup is an essential part of your preventive care, which is always covered at no cost when you see a Preferred provider. It can help you and your doctor identify lifestyle changes you can make to avoid certain health conditions. You can also catch up on any vaccinations and screenings you may need. 

And don’t forget about the little ones: make sure to schedule a well-child visit to ensure your kids are growing up healthy and on track.

Tip: You can use our National Doctor and Hospital Finder tool to find an in-network doctor near you.

 

• Register for telehealth services

Don’t have time for an in-person visit? Schedule a virtual visit using telehealth services provided by Teladoc Health®. You can get care via phone, video chat or the Teladoc app.

Telehealth offers 24/7 medical care, mental health consultations, dermatology services, nutritional counseling and even global care for members overseas.  All members get their first two visits—and all nutritional counseling visits—covered in full.

Tip: Register for telehealth services now so you’re prepared for when you need care.

 

• Get your flu shot (if you haven’t had it already)

Did you know flu season is at its peak between December and February? While most doctors recommend getting your flu shot in October, it’s not too late to get one in December. Flu season can extend until May, so having some protection is better than no protection. 

Our network includes over 55,000 retail pharmacies nationwide. Routine vaccinations, like the flu shot, are always covered when you visit an in-network pharmacy.

Tip: Use our Pharmacy Locator tool to find one near you.

• Take the Blue Health Assessment

Want to see how healthy you are? Take the Blue Health Assessment (BHA). Simply answer a few questions about your health and you’ll receive a personalized score and plan to help improve or maintain your health. Plus, eligible Basic Option and Standard Option members can earn $50 the first time they take the BHA each calendar year.

Tip: Even if you’ve already taken the BHA, taking it again can help you check any health progress you’ve made this year.

 

• Complete your health goals

Have you been working on any Online Health Coach goals this year? Now’s the time to complete them. Keep these dates in mind:

• Any condition-related goals, such as those for asthma, hypertension or COPD, must be started by September 29 and completed by December 31, 2023.
• Any lifestyle goals, such as those for reducing stress, losing weight or exercising more, must be started by November 29 and completed by December 31, 2023.

 

Tip: A great way to track your progress is by syncing your fitness device with your MyBlue® account.

 

• Use your wellness incentives

Have you earned any reward dollars through an incentive program this year? Now’s the perfect time to use them. Any funds earned are loaded on to your MyBlue Wellness Card, a rewards card you can use to pay for qualified medical expenses, including doctor’s office copays, prescription copays, contacts and glasses, over-the-counter medicines and more.

Tip: If you’re looking for more ways to save, sign up for Blue365^®. You’ll get exclusive discounts from well-known national brands.

 

Sources:
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/flu-shot-myths/