Getting the Most from Your Health Plan
Know Your Health Plan
- Read your Certificate of Insurance and Member Guide. Make sure you understand them, especially the information on benefits, coverage, and limits. Reference our glossary of terms if words are unfamiliar. If you have questions, please contact Member Service.
- WPS may send letters to your home notifying you of any changes in your provider network or covered services. Take the time to read them.
- Talk to your health benefits manager at work to learn more about your policy.
- Visit the WPS website regularly to stay current on news regarding your plan.
Ask Your Doctor Questions
When you have questions about your health, ask your physician for advice and insist on clear answers. Take time to learn about specific areas of health that concern or interest you. View a list of specific questions to ask your doctor.
Keep Track
Write down your concerns. Start a health log of your symptoms and when they occurred to help better explain any health problems the next time you meet with your doctor.
Set up files at home to track the health status of family members. This will help you monitor care. Include the following:
- Health histories of shots, illnesses, treatments, and hospital visits.
- Ask for copies of lab results.
- Keep a list of your medicines, noting side effects and other problems (e.g., medications and foods that should not be ingested at the same time).
Use Your Medications Wisely
Know the name and dosage of all your medications, whether prescription or non-prescription. Be sure to write them down if you take multiple medications. Make sure your physician is aware of all the medications you are taking. Your physician and pharmacist are available to answer questions about your medication, so don't hesitate to ask them about expected benefits, side effects, or other questions about your medication.
Use Hospital Emergency Rooms Only for Medical Emergencies
Your physician can often schedule urgent or same-day appointments. Urgent care centers are also available for non-life threatening medical emergencies.
Make Healthy Choices to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat a low-fat diet of whole (unprocessed) foods and make sure to incorporate all areas of the food guide pyramid.
- Exercise on a regular basis (30 minutes most days of the week).
- Take the time to listen to your body and learn how stress affects you. Take action to manage the stress factors in your life.
- Respect your body and refrain from the use of tobacco, excessive alcohol, and inappropriate drugs.
- Take action to maximize wellness even when ill.
Remember to work closely with your health care providers. They're your partners in your journey towards optimal health.
