When choosing your health care team and your health plan, you want to make decisions based on reliable and sound information. This information can come from different sources like provider reviews, plan certifications, cost analysis, and more. There’s another source of insight that’s often overlooked: your own instincts. Your gut can help you evaluate your experiences and whether your needs are truly being met. When you listen to that inner voice, you’re better equipped to make the right decisions for your health.
Feel Seen & Heard: What Makes a Good Doctor-Patient Relationship?
Studies have shown that a good provider-patient relationship can lead to better outcomes, fewer errors, lower costs, and a more positive experience overall. But what does a good relationship look like?
Experts have identified five key pillars:
- Respect
- Engaged curiosity
- Focused listening
- Mutual participation
- Provider self-awareness
Roundtable
These pillars can’t be objectively measured, but rather, they’re felt between a provider and patient. If you feel heard, respected, and involved in your care, that’s a sign you’re in the right hands. Watch CalVEBA’s roundtable to hear medical experts talk about the “green flags” to look for in a provider.
Save Money & Stress: Staying In-Network Matter
Once you’ve found a provider that you feel confident and comfortable with, you’ll want to pay attention to your health plan’s network. Providers can leave or join networks throughout the year. Staying in-network usually means lower out-of-pocket costs. And if your preferred provider is out-of-network, that may be a sign to start comparing plan options during Open Enrollment.
Time to Check-In: How Do You Feel About Your Health Plan?
Studies show that many insured adults face challenges with their health plan carriers and those in poorer health often struggle even more. This Open Enrollment season, take a moment to reflect:
- Has it been easy to get information from your health plan?
- Do you feel valued as a member?
- Are your needs being met?
Your Experiences Matter: Let Your Feelings Guide You
From choosing a doctor to choosing the right health plan for you, health care decisions can be stressful. They can affect your health, finances, and peace of mind. While it might feel risky to factor in your emotions, your feelings are a valid and powerful tool. As you evaluate your feelings about your health care experiences, ask yourself:
- Do you like your doctor?
- How did your last visit make you feel?
- Did you feel listened to and respected?
- Is it easy to get an appointment?
- What did you like or dislike about your experiences with doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and your health insurance carrier over the past year?
- Can you refill prescriptions without hassle?
- Are billing and claims questions answered clearly?
- Do you feel confident in the care and coverage you’re receiving?
Take the Next Step: Turning Insight into Action
Once you’ve taken the time to reflect on your experiences and feelings, the next step is knowing where to turn for support. Whether you’re looking for a provider who truly listens or trying to navigate your health plan options, CalVEBA offers tools and resources to help you make informed, confident choices.
CalVEBA Resources
MyVEBA Portal
Use the MyVEBA app or online portal for your benefits information and updates. Download the app for Apple or Android, or visit the MyVEBA Portal for desktop access.
Benefit Contacts
For assistance with specific carrier benefits or issues, such as claims or coverage details, visit VebaOnline.com/Benefit-Contacts/.
Get Support
The California Schools VEBA Advocacy Team is here to assist with health care navigation, including appointment scheduling and quality of care. Call 888-276-0250 or visit VEBAOnline.com/Contact for assistance. For urgent requests, use the “Urgent” box on the contact form.
