The Power To Take 3 Steps For A Wellness Conversation With Women In Your Life

Whitney Stidom is vice president of consumer enablement, eHealth.

By Whitney Stidom

May is Women’s Health Month, an opportune time to check on the well-being of all the important women in your life.  

Whether you're a spouse making sure your partner is taking care of herself, or an adult child checking in on an aging parent, a few thoughtful words can go a long way. Here are three steps to help the women you love get the healthcare they need. 

Step 1: Encourage the use of preventive care 
A good place to start is an annual wellness visit, which research shows contributes to improved health outcomes. Ask when her last checkup was, or whether she's due for any recommended preventive screenings such as a mammogram, which is now recommended for most women starting at age 40. Annual wellness exams and preventive screenings are typically included at no cost under most health insurance plans, including Affordable Care Act (ACA), employer-sponsored, and Medicare plans. 

Step 2: Discuss dental, vision, and hearing care  
Healthy teeth and gums, eyes, and ears all contribute to well-being. If the women in your life already have dental and vision coverage through an employer, ask whether they’re using the preventive cleanings and exams that are typically included — these benefits are often overlooked. For women eligible for Medicare, it's important to note traditional Medicare does not include routine coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care, though many Medicare Advantage plans do. 

Step 3: Review her health coverage 
Take a moment to talk about her current insurance. If she has an ACA or Medicare plan, qualifying life events can make her eligible for a special enrollment period. Common qualifying events include moving to a new city or state, being diagnosed with certain chronic conditions, getting married or divorced (ACA plans), or losing other forms of coverage, such as through an employer.

Whitney Stidom is vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth.
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