Health insurance is confusing enough these days without adding more factors, but unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you could be making some pretty serious mistakes. Unfortunately, most people don’t find out what they’ve done until it’s too late. When you’re in need of medical assistance, it’s not the time to find out that your medical insurance is useless.

Do you follow up on medical bills?

When you get a medical bill in the mail and you expected your insurance to cover it, don’t just get grumpy about the whole thing. Take the time to call your insurance company and find out if they are covering it and if they need any further information from you.

Is your paperwork a disaster?

Being organized is essential in order to stay on top of your medical costs. Keep everything in a folder or sorted into relevant categories in a multi-pocket envelope. This will allow you to find the information you need when you need it.

Do you know who your contracted providers are?

If not, you run the risk of ending up with higher out of pocket costs. When you see a non-contracted medical provider, your insurance won’t cover it, so it pays to know who you can see.

Stay on top of your health insurance. You’ll need it one day.