It is always good to read the fine print of any plan before subscribing. Many plans offer low monthly rates, but to lower prices something must be sacrificed. One common practice is exclude wellness visits as a standard benefit. I received a call from a client today who just received a bill from their annual visit to their gynecologist for. They chose a "value" plan that covers wellness visits, however, there was a catch: Their particular plan covered wellness visits after the deductible had been met. Although they enjoyed spending $40 less a month for their plan the past 6 months, the little asterisk on their benefit summary is upsetting today.

Some plans still do have Wellness visits included: Anthem Lumenos plans currently cover Wellness Visits, but lab tests and other services outside the "office visit" code are subject to deductible and coinsurance. Assurant Health Unicare also offer a decent wellness visit on several of their plans. Always read through your policy or benefit summary when you sign up for a new plan. For some, saving $40 to $60 a month is more important than getting wellness visits paid for, but for others, wellness visits are critical. Be aware that wellness visits are not automatically covered on most plans today, and if they are included watch out for limitations.

Tags: doctor visits, Anthem, Lumenos