Your Annual “Checkup” Plan: Healthy Habits in 30 Minutes

The start of a new year is when most people think about eating better, moving more, or finally getting serious about sleep. But one important piece often gets skipped: your health coverage. At JubeLaMint, we believe health is the foundation and that means pairing smart daily habits with insurance choices that actually support your care. The good news? You can do both in about 30 minutes once a year.

 

Why This “Checkup” Matters: Two Sides of the Same Coin

 

Health plans change every year. Deductibles reset, provider networks shift, and prescription lists get updated. At the same time, preventive care is designed to catch small issues early, before they turn into expensive problems. When coverage literacy and preventive care work together, you protect both your health and your wallet.

 

One focused conversation with an advisor can often uncover coverage gaps, clarify what’s included at no extra cost, and help you plan the care you actually need. The foundation is knowing your plan type, whether that’s an HMO, PPO, or Medicare Advantage, so you understand how and where to use your benefits.

 

Step 1: Know What You Have (10 Minutes)

 

Start with a quick plan audit. Grab your insurance card and your most recent explanation of benefits (EOB).

 

Confirm:

• Your plan type and whether your preferred doctors are in-network
• Prescription coverage and any tier changes
• Your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum
• Key dates, including renewal periods or benefit resets

Make a quick note of anything that changed from last year. Even small adjustments can affect costs later.

 

Step 2: Schedule Preventive Services (5 Minutes)

 

Most plans, including Medicare, cover preventive care at no cost when used correctly. This is where your coverage really pays off.

• Annual wellness visits are typically fully covered
• Age-appropriate screenings like blood pressure checks, mammograms, or colonoscopies help catch issues early
• Stay current on immunizations such as flu, pneumonia, or shingles (recommendations vary by age)
• Don’t forget vision, dental, and hearing checks if they aren’t part of your medical plan

Guidelines from organizations like Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force make it clear that preventive care works when people actually schedule it.

 

Step 3: Choose One Small Health Habit (10 Minutes)

 

Instead of overhauling everything, pick one simple habit to test in January:

• A consistent bedtime
• A 10-minute daily walk
• Swapping one sugary drink for water

Tie that habit back to your coverage investment. Preventive care only works if you show up feeling your best. Track one easy metric: steps, energy level, or mood, to see what changes.

 

Step 4: Know When to Call an Advisor (5 Minutes)

 

Some questions are easier to answer with help. Reach out if you’re unsure about:

• Coverage for a specific medication or procedure
• Life changes like retirement, a new job, or Medicare eligibility
• How deductibles and copays really work
• Which screenings make sense for your age and health history

This annual 30-minute routine brings clarity and confidence. It aligns your daily health habits with the coverage designed to support them, so nothing falls through the cracks. If you want help mapping your next HealthKare step or reviewing your benefits, JubeLaMint is here to walk through it with you.