How & how often do you use your benefits?

[Florence NightinFAIL, BSN, RN]

Medical, Health, Dental Benefits.

I know some nurses that use their benefits once in a while, when necessary, and others who use it as often as possible. One nurse goes for a massage every two weeks A portion of it is covered for each visit - and then after $1000 - it's covered 100%. So the plan actually rewards you for going often.

I'm wondering what other ways we can use our benefits aside from the obvious doctor visits, prescriptions, dental work etc.

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

Benefits that cover massages??? That certainly wouldn't fly here (at least not in MY health plan)!

I use my benefits regularly. I have chronic, incurable medical conditions (of the GYN/GU variety) so it means regular doctor visits. I don't visit for frivilous things, though, just because I can....I'll go to the doc for a disease that may be infectious, though, in case it may mean that I can't work until not contagious. When I had what was presumably H1N1 back in the fall, I didn't go to the doc; they didn't have flu patients come to the office for fear of spreading it, but when things worsened a week later, I went in for the dx of pneumonia.

I am on a fair amount of regular meds, so my prescription insurance gets a work out (LOVE getting to the point in the year that I've met my deductible; then they cost me nothing until the new calendar year starts ).

We don't have "formal" insurance for vision or dental; rather, we have discount plans. I use my vision regularly (since I'm about as myopic as they come ), and SHOULD use my dental more....I'm awful about keeping up with my appointments. Luckily (knock on wood), I'm not prone to cavities, didn't get my first (and only) until I was 21.

But, long answe short....I use my benefits. :)

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Well the only way you'll know is to read what your company offers. If you have a medical problem that needs tx, then you will use it. I think for many plans, they have the little supposed "perks" or discount cards for extra stuff. Many times these will be found to be useless. I've had them in the past and I've found very few providers honoring them, or a small portion of services offered on the card, and you really want what is not offered on the card. Buyer be wise.

[casper1]

I use occasionally, as far as medical go's I don't think I use more than the premiums I pay in. I do appreciate my vacation benefit , after 17 years I get 5 weeks.