Put your health first

  • Staying healthy is important for you and your family.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle at home, at work, and in the community.
  • Get your recommended health screenings and manage chronic conditions.
  • Keep all of your health information in one place.

Understand your health coverage

  • Check with your insurance plan to see what services are covered.
  • Be familiar with your costs (premiums, co-payments, deductibles, co-insurance).
  • Know the difference between innetwork and out-of-network.

Know where to go for care

  • Use the emergency department for a lifethreatening situation.
  • Primary care is preferred when it’s not an emergency.
  • Know the difference between primary care and emergency care.

Find a provider

  • Ask people you trust or do research on the Internet.
  • Check your insurance plan’s list of providers.
  • If you’re assigned a provider, contact your plan if you want to change.
  • If you’re enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, contact Medicaid directly for help:

Make an appointment

  • Mention if you’re a new patient or have been there before.
  • Give the name of your insurance plan and ask if they take your insurance.
  • Tell them the name of the provider you want to see and why you want an appointment.
  • Ask for days or times that work for you.

Be prepared for your visit

  • Have your insurance card with you.
  • Know your family health history and make a list of any medicines you take.
  • Bring a list of questions and things to discuss, and take notes during your visit.
  • Bring someone with you to help if you need it.

Decide if the provider is right for you

  • Did you feel comfortable with the provider you saw?
  • Were you able to communicate with and understand your provider?
  • Did you feel like you and your provider could make good decisions together?
  • Remember: it is okay to change to a different provider!

Next steps after your appointment

  • Follow your provider’s instructions.
  • Fill any prescriptions you were given, and take them as directed.
  • Schedule a follow-up visit if you need one.
  • Review your explanation of benefits and pay your medical bills.
  • Contact your provider, health plan, or Medicaid with any questions.