Health Access for Independent Living (HAIL) Fact Sheet: Working with Your Health Care Provider

Social Policy Barriers

• Study your Medicaid/Medicare or private insurance coverage. Learn about which health care services are covered and which are not.

• Ask your doctor or the person in the office who handles insurance if a recommended treatment is covered by your plan. Also ask how your health care will be compromised by the limitations of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and what you can do about it.

• Visit your primary care doctor as soon as possible if you are having health issues. Most insurance plans cover preventive visits, and it’s always good practice to find a problem at a more treatable stage. Early detection can prevent complications that might result in a visit to the ER or even a hospital stay.