7 healthcare benefits your employees might not be aware of

When it comes to health insurance, most people are familiar with the basics: doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. 

However, many plans offer a range of lesser-known benefits that can support your overall well-being. From gym memberships and fitness discounts to mental health services and alternative treatments, your health insurance may cover more than you think. By understanding the full scope of your benefits, you can make the most of your coverage and invest in your health in unexpected ways. 

Unexpected healthcare plan benefits

Health insurance might cover more than the average person expects. Here are a few benefits that might be hiding in your health insurance plan.

1. Gym memberships and fitness discounts

Yes, your health plan might pay for you to break a sweat. Many health insurance plans offer free or discounted membership to gyms or studios. 

In some cases, you may be required to show proof of a certain number of visits to the gym per month to receive a free or discounted membership. In other cases, you might be eligible for discounted monthly gym memberships through a platform like Active & Fit.

With the rise of online fitness, some healthcare providers will cover the cost of fitness apps or virtual fitness classes with the proper documentation. 

2. Dietician and nutrition counseling

If you need advice from a nutritional expert, your health insurance might foot the bill. 

Under some health insurance plans, working with a registered dietitian or licensed nutritionist could be considered preventative care. This means the service could be covered entirely or through a copay. 

However, this benefit may only be available if a primary care physician flags you for certain health issues.

If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, you may qualify for medical nutrition therapy, which can be more intensive than working with a dietician or nutritionist. 

Health insurance often does not cover the cost of working with a nutritionist indefinitely. The plan may limit coverage to a couple of visits and may require a referral or prescription from a PCP.

Under the Affordable Care Act, all plans purchased through the marketplace are required to include obesity screening and counseling at no cost to the patient. The counseling and screening will vary from plan to plan.  

3. Mental health and wellness support

On average, a therapy session costs between $60 and $200. Depending on your coverage, health insurance may cover some or all of the cost. 

Health insurance is likely to cover therapy in one of two ways:

• Co-pay, where you pay the same amount for each session. Depending on your plan, your health insurance may cover a portion of the visit. 

• Deductible, where you pay for your sessions (and other medical costs) completely until your expenses hit a certain amount. Then, your insurance company starts covering some of the costs. 

Your insurance will cover different types of therapy. Some plans do not recognize telehealth or online therapists, requiring you to pay for the sessions entirely. In other cases, meeting with a therapist online or through a platform may be covered. 

In addition to one-on-one talk therapy, your insurance may offer access to mental health apps or support groups. This could include wellness coaching, stress management, or other preventative forms of therapy that benefit mental health. These may be offered at low or no cost to you. Check the fine print of your coverage to learn more. 

4. Alternative and complementary treatments

Public and private health insurance plans that cover alternative treatments are on the rise. However, these plans typically only cover the cost of treatment for certain conditions. 

For example, Medicare will cover the cost of up to 12 visits to an acupuncturist to help treat lower back pain. Other insurance plans will cover acupuncture to treat nausea related to chemotherapy.  

You may qualify for chiropractic care under your health insurance if you have neck or back pain. This typically requires a referral from your doctor, and most plans cover only a set number of visits a year before you have to pay for sessions out of pocket. 

Similarly, health insurance plans are likely to cover therapeutic messages across the board, but with a referral from a doctor, they may cover some or all of the cost. A therapeutic massage might be covered under insurance if you have chronic pain related to illness or injury.

5. Preventive screenings and wellness checks

Most insurance will cover preventative care, including shots and screenings, at no cost. 

However, you may be surprised to learn that your coverage could include screenings beyond the basics. These include everything from genetic testing to heart health screenings.

With a focus on preventative care, your health insurance provider may also offer free or discounted programs, including health risk assessments and personalized wellness plans. These services are typically offered through the insurance provider and don’t require referrals or prescriptions from a healthcare professional.   

6. Smoking cessation programs

The Affordable Care Act and federal law require nearly all health insurance plans to cover smoking cessation programs. 

According to the American Lung Association, if you want to quit smoking, most plans will cover some or all of the following: 

• Four sessions of individual, group and phone counseling

• 90 days of all FDA-approved smoking cessation medications

• Two quit attempts per year

• No prior authorization for treatments

7. Maternity and postpartum care

While all plans will cover delivery costs in some way, some will offer additional coverage to new parents, especially postpartum. 

Postpartum care could include: 

• Lactation consultants for breastfeeding

• Mental health support for postpartum depression

• Post-birth wellness services, including wellness checks, couples counseling, and stress management  

Where to find these benefits 

Want to take advantage of some of these benefits? You’re most likely to find out eligibility in one of the following ways: 

• Employee benefits portals provide coverage information, including FAQs, plan details, and more. Sometimes, you’ll find a wellness tab with information on less-used preventative services. 

• Open enrollment documents. Open enrollment periods typically offer an overview of all available benefits, including wellness and preventative health options.

• HR department or benefits administrator. Employees can reach out to HR for one-on-one meetings to better understand the lesser-known benefits available to them.

• Insurance provider website. The insurance provider’s website will list the full scope of services and programs available under the plan. Look for dedicated wellness pages or services.

The takeaway

Your health insurance plan probably offers some lesser-known benefits that can enhance your overall well-being. From fitness discounts and mental health support to alternative treatments and preventive care. 

By familiarizing yourself with these often-overlooked perks, you can maximize your coverage and make more informed decisions about your health. Be sure to explore your plan’s details and consult your HR department or insurance provider to uncover how your health insurance can support your wellness journey.

Looking for better health benefits for less money? Consider booking a demo with Thatch today.