The card gives essential information about you and your coverage to physicians, and helps avoid billing problems. Additionally, it includes details of your insurance provider that could prove invaluable should any issues arise with them later on.
If your coverage comprises both Medicare and an employer plan, you’ll likely have multiple cards representing individual aspects of coverage. Here are a few reasons why it’s beneficial to carry your health insurance card at all times:
It’s convenient
Your health insurance card may appear similar to a credit or debit card, but it serves a much bigger purpose. Not only is it proof of coverage; it can also act as a handy guide on your coverage and any anticipated charges when visiting the doctor’s office. By understanding how it all works, trips should become far smoother.
Your insurance card should display both your name and contact number for your insurer on its front. When calling to inquire or follow up on bills or claims, this number will need to be provided as it’s used as a means of identification. In addition, group numbers (if employer sponsored coverage exists) as well as group number(s) should also be listed here.
As soon as you receive an insurance card, it’s essential that you review its information to ensure its accuracy and completeness. That way, when attending appointments at doctors offices or clinics, your card can be easily presented for verification by medical staff. Furthermore, be sure to keep it somewhere secure so it doesn’t get misplaced!
Bringing all three cards, Medicare/FEHB card and medical or prescription insurance card is often beneficial in making sure healthcare providers have all of the information needed to file your claims accurately.
Many insurance companies are taking advantage of the digital trend and providing members with electronic versions of their card, making them easier and safer to use than physical cards. But some individuals still prefer carrying physical cards; it’s essential that you decide which option best fits you and your family.
It’s easy to lose
Health insurance cards differ significantly from the plastic credit or debit cards we commonly carry around, as they contain much more sensitive data. Proper care must be taken when handling them to protect it properly and its contents.
At its core, your policyholder ID card identifies you and provides details such as your name, member ID number, employer or group number if applicable, as well as insurance company contact info – making it easy to get in touch if there are questions about coverage or you require help filing claims.
If your insurance card becomes lost or stolen, it must be replaced immediately as this contains personal data about you that could allow others to gain access to medical services, medications or file false claims against your policy.
Most insurers have gone digital, offering members the choice to receive their cards electronically instead of physically keeping a physical card in their wallet and keeping track of its details. Many people enjoy this convenience as it eliminates having to keep up with multiple card bills while being more secure overall.
Store your health insurance card online is another advantage to its convenience; you’re more likely to find it and less likely to misplace it. Some insurers even provide mobile apps that make storing the card easy!
Reduce wallet profile by only carrying your insurance card when heading out for appointments. Most hospitals will still treat you, but will bill later and you’ll have to deal with billing and claims through your insurance provider later on. While not ideal, this strategy may help those who struggle remembering to bring their cards with them every time; by only carrying it when necessary you will lessen risk of loss and make room in your wallet for other items.
It’s not necessary
When purchasing health insurance, a card that resembles debit or credit cards will be issued to you. Most people don’t give much thought to carrying their card around with them except when showing it at a doctor’s office or pharmacy – but not doing so may leave valuable information untapped!
Health insurance cards contain sensitive personal identifying information that could compromise your identity, such as when the policy expires and who the insurer is. They usually also feature contact numbers so you can reach them with any queries about coverage; keeping this card in a wallet could increase the risk of identity theft.
Health experts from AARP suggest only carrying your medical or Medicare card when visiting healthcare providers, to limit criminal use of your health information for financial gain or even accessing your bank account. With Medicare Advantage Plans like Part C plans, cards contain claim numbers which could prove valuable tools in criminal hands.
Compare your insurance card against other documents you own, such as contracts or receipts from health costs over the previous year. Doing this may help detect errors such as misspelled names that could become issues later when trying to use your card.
Most health insurance providers provide an app that you can use to access your digital card, making accessing all the necessary information much more straightforward. In some instances, companies also offer physical cards which you should store safely within your home.
Regardless of whether or not you carry health insurance or Medicare cards with you, hospitals will still treat accidents or illness that send them to an emergency room, but may ask for your information later on. You can reduce unnecessary documents by carrying less cash with you.
It’s a good idea
Your health insurance card is an indispensable resource. Not only does it identify you as an insured individual, but also provides quick reference of how much healthcare services cost you – this is especially helpful if your doctor or hospital offers in-network services, making your visit more cost-effective for you.
Health insurance cards typically contain your personal details, including name and policy effective dates as well as member identification number. They may also contain lists of covered benefits including copays and deductibles along with contact information for your insurer. Should you lose your card it’s important to contact them immediately as they should send out replacement copies immediately.
Many companies now provide employees with digital cards, which are easier to keep track of and can be stored securely on mobile apps on smartphones. Although this offers an alternative to carrying physical cards around, emergency situations might prove challenging without one handy. No matter how you store your health insurance card, always bring it when visiting a doctor to avoid billing problems and ensure they receive accurate claims information.
If you are uncertain whether to carry your health insurance card or not, be sure to speak to both your employer and insurance provider. They can help determine the most cost-effective option for your unique circumstances – which might even include ways to help keep wallet slim while providing documentation necessary for medical visits.
At its core, a health insurance card serves as both protection from criminals and an easy means of accessing healthcare. Keep it with you at all times – don’t leave it in your car or home! And if it goes missing, notify your insurer as soon as possible so they can issue another card for you.
