Kosher Fitness
By Michael Ungar
About a month ago, I got a phone call from my health insurance company…so I answered it. I usually do not answer calls that look like spam, but this was my insurance company. I was skeptical and ready to ask to be put on the “no-call list,” when the woman on the other end asked if I was familiar with the company’s wellness plan. This had my attention. I am, after all, in the wellness field myself.
The last two health insurance companies under which I was covered had similar programs so I knew what it was about. Depending on the company, it can take different forms. In many cases, insured individuals are offered free health coaching services; that coaching can be over any area of health about which the person has concerns. It could be nutrition, aging, weight-management, etc. Some of the more elaborate programs provide perks like discounts for gym memberships, free written and video information, as well as referrals.
I met with my coach for the first time 10 days ago and the call lasted about 30 minutes. We identified some areas that are concerning to me and discussed ways that my coach could help. Since she was from my insurance company (and a registered nurse) I was able to share with her the medical issues that are at the top of my list–particularly important since the company has balked at covering some of the treatments that might benefit me. Nothing was a surprise (or would be) to her.
I am looking forward to this relationship with my health coach. It is always good to have someone checking in and keeping me on track; this is, after all, what I do for my own clients! We will see just how beneficial the process is, but I do not see how it can hurt.
My advice here is that if you are contacted by your health insurance company about coaching, take the few minutes to hear what it is about. If you do not get a call, it is worth going to the website or calling the customer service number. This service is almost always free–that is, included in your premiums.
Not only is this service in your best interest, but it also helps to bring down insurance costs for everyone by guiding us toward more health and wellness.
This blog with photo was originally published on kosher-fitness.com on 7/17/23 by Rabbi Ungar.
