Use it or lose it!

It surprises me how many times I have heard people say, “Oh, I’m covered for that through work, but I never seem to go for a massage. I really should!”

So, I thought I would see if I could dig up some stats on how many people in Canada are covered for extended health benefits such as massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, Naturopathic Doctor, etc.  I was able to find a few, and  although the numbers aren’t exact or all that current, the  fact remains that too many people are paying for coverage they just aren’t taking the TIME to take advantage of.  I will end with a few ideas on how to rectify that.

Here is approximately how many Canadians are covered for supplementary health coverage. I have made the assumption that there has not been a vast change in percentages over the last decade:

As an example, ever year only 8% of Canadians utilize the service of a massage therapist.

In other words, even with my backwards math, if  63% of Canadians are covered and only 20% are actually consulting  any sort of alternative health provider then by my estimations almost 2 out of every 3 people covered are paying for a massage they will never get, new eyeglasses they are entitled to but will never see, a check up from a Naturopath that never happens, and or many other extended health services that simply get forgotten.

If you are paying for it already, then there is no other excuse for not getting the massages & alternative health services you  deserve, other than sheer laziness or an understandable  lack of finances ( Recognizing that some people just can’t afford to pay the small percentage that insurance companies ask you to cover for such services!)

Here are a few ideas on how to rectify the situation:

1. Go look at your benefits now. Do you even know what you are covered for?

2. Print out 10 copies of any forms necessary to submit receipts and keep them in an easy to remember place along with 10 pre-addressed and stamped envelopes. After every massage, Naturopathic Doctor visit or other alternative provider, immediately submit your receipts for re-reimbursement. I know of some people that carry these envelopes with them to their appointment and mail the receipt and form immediately after.

3. Whether it is massage, chiropractic or any other service that you wish you were committing to on an ongoing basis. Just call them and book a standing appointment once a month, once every quarter or how ever often you can afford the time & your deductible.

Taking the time to plan out how to use ‘YOUR’ alternative health services could ultimately help you & your family  relieve stress, keep you on a track to a healthier you, and ultimately stop wasting hard earned money you are spending every two weeks to pay for the coverage.

That is the point… you are paying for it already. You might as well get your moneys worth.