1

Wealth Savvy Video Worksheet This worksheet is designed to accompany the video workshop, “Wealth Savvy: Tips on getting the most from your healthcare dollar.” To use this worksheet, pause the video at the conclusion of each tip and enter your answers in the spaces provided.

1) How will you take charge of your health?

2) How can a preventive exam help you avoid more serious health issues in the future?

3) What steps will you take to improve your lifestyle?

4) Name 3 or 4 health care options other than the emergency room:

5) In what ways can you be active in your office visits?

An answer key is provided on page 3

2

6) How can you build a better relationship with your health care provider?

7) List at least 2 ways can you better manage your medications:

8) List at least 2 things you should document in a medical records file:

9) What 4 basic aspects of your health plan should you understand?

10) What expenses do you have that may be eligible for reimbursement through a flexible spending account?

ANSWER KEY (find your answers from these covered in the workshop video)

1) How will you take charge of your health?

• See yourself as the most important member of your health care team • Actively participate in and become an advocate for your own health care • Take responsibility for your good health • Make the shift from health care user to informed health care consumer

2) How can a preventive exam help you avoid more serious health issues in the future?

• Identifying health problems in the early stages often means treatment can be easier and less costly.

3) What steps will you take to improve your lifestyle? • Don’t use tobacco • Sleep seven or eight hours each night • Eat five servings of fruits and veggies each day • Move more—get regular physical activity • Use alcohol in moderation • Maintain a healthy weight

4) Name health care options other than the emergency room:

• Use self care for conditions such as colds, sore throats, headaches, insect bites, sprains and strains • Use tools available to you such as a nurse line, a self care guide and credible medical and wellness

websites such as www.mayoclinic.com • If you need to be seen, choose the appropriate option (listed approximately in order of cost per

visit): - In-store convenience care clinics - Primary care provider (call to see if a same-day appointment is available) - Specialists through referral - Urgent care or walk-in clinics (in urgent situations) - Emergency room visit (in life-threatening situations)

5) In what ways can you be active in your office visits?

• Prepare a list of questions (use www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer.com) • Bring a list of your medications and supplements • Take notes or bring a support person • Ask your provider for a summary of the appointment

6) How can you build a better relationship with your health care provider?

• Choose a primary care provider who puts you at ease and communicates well • Share all your symptoms • Discuss an advance directive at your next appointment (even if you believe you are too young)

7) List ways can you better manage your medications • Use one pharmacy, develop a relationship with your pharmacist and use him or her as a resource • Take your medications as prescribed • Keep your medications in the original containers • Ask for generics to save money • Follow directions when taking over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements • Tell your pharmacist about any over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take • Check online for coupons for brand name drugs • Ask your provider about writing a 102-day supply instead of a 90-day supply for any maintenance

medications • Discuss how lifestyle changes may help some conditions

8) What should you document in a medical records file?

• Procedures • Medications • Allergies • Immunization records

9) What basic aspects of your health plan should you understand?

• Your maximum out-of-pocket costs • Your deductibles • Your co-payments • Your co-insurance amounts

10) What expenses do you have that may be eligible for reimbursement through a flexible

spending account? • Health plan deductibles • Co-payments • Eyeglasses and contact lenses • Orthodontic services • Hearing aids • Prescription drug costs • Smoking cessation programs* • Nicotine replacement therapy drugs* • Vitamins and supplements* • Massage* • Acupuncture* • Fees for weight management programs*

*When prescribed by your physician