Your health plan can contain a gold mine of perks such as discounted gym memberships, healthy recipes, classes, and free or discounted health apps to help you exercise regularly, manage stress, and eat nutritiously.
When you’re feeling healthy, you may not think much about your health insurance. But there are great ways to take advantage of your health coverage when you feel good and you’re not seeking care for illness, injury, or chronic disease.
CalPERS health plans, as well as many employer-covered plans, offer an array of benefits for maintaining health and wellness, including an annual wellness visit, preventive care services, and no-cost and discounted health and wellness programs. Learn more by visiting our Health and Wellness Programs by Health Plan webpage.
Here are some tips for using your health plan when you’re feeling fine:
Get Your No-Cost Annual Preventive Exam
Even when you feel well, getting a yearly routine check-up can help ensure you stay that way. This no-cost annual doctor’s visit focuses on preventive care and wellness. It can include an exam, screenings, and immunizations that can help spot potential health issues before they become serious problems.
You can talk with your doctor about family history concerns, mental health, and potential health concerns. Your doctor may order lab tests which can alert to potential issues down the line. And building a relationship with your primary care provider plays an important role in preventing and managing common chronic conditions.
Keep the visit to preventive services and the visit is free. A deductible, copay, or coinsurance may apply if you discuss or receive care for medical concerns or illnesses.
Get Your Preventive Screenings and Immunizations
Whether you get an annual checkup, getting screenings can help spot potential health issues before they become serious problems. Your doctor will determine what tests, screenings, and immunizations are needed based on your age, gender, and overall health status. Some of the common no-cost preventive screenings include:
- Breast cancer (mammogram)
- Cervical cancer
- Colon cancer
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) check
You can also get immunizations at no charge when you get them in-network, including:
- COVID-19
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Herpes zoster
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
Wellness Incentives
Wellness programs can help you achieve and maintain a balanced and healthy life. If you want to take yoga or cycle classes, use well-known mindful apps for stress reduction, or take classes and learn recipes, check out the resources offered on your plan’s website. You may find discounted or no- or low-cost perks available, including:
- Gym memberships, including classes and fitness programs for seniors
- Health education classes on losing weight, quitting smoking, and nutrition
- Mindfulness apps and programs for stress management and better sleep
- Wellness products and apparel
- Health assessments along with personalized reports to act upon
- Medical equipment such as canes, crutches, and breast pumps
Where to Start?
Log in to your health plan website to learn more about the benefits and resources they offer to help you take care of your body, mind, and spirit.