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BenefitRoute • Learn ACA

How to Use Your ACA Coverage

Once coverage begins, knowing your network, member information, prescription benefits and plan costs can help you use your health insurance more effectively throughout the year.

✓ Member basics✓ Network awareness✓ Practical year-round education
Family learning how to use ACA health insurance coverage
Your plan controls: Always use your insurer's current plan documents, member portal and member-services resources for specific benefits, network participation, authorizations and claims information.
First Steps

After Your Coverage Becomes Active

01Save Your Member InformationKeep your insurance ID card, member number, plan name and member-services contact information accessible.
02Know Your NetworkCheck provider participation before scheduling non-emergency care when network status affects your coverage.
03Review Prescription CoverageKnow how to find the formulary, drug tiers, preferred pharmacies and applicable medication requirements.
04Understand Your CostsKnow your deductible, copays, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum.
Getting Care

Use the Right Resource for the Situation

Routine & Preventive Care

Review how your plan handles applicable preventive services and routine healthcare through participating providers.

Specialist or Planned Care

Check network participation and whether referrals or prior authorization may apply before planned services.

Emergency Care

In an emergency, seek appropriate emergency care. Coverage and billing protections are governed by applicable plan terms and law.

Before Planned Care

Four Things Worth Checking

For non-emergency planned healthcare, a little preparation can reduce surprises.

Network

Is the provider or facility participating?

Authorization

Does the service require prior authorization?

Benefits

How does your plan cover the service?

Cost Share

What deductible, copay or coinsurance may apply?

Educational checklist only; bars do not represent relative importance or cost.

When Paperwork Arrives

Don't Confuse an EOB With a Provider Bill

An Explanation of Benefits shows how an insurer processed a claim. It is generally not itself a bill. Compare it with any provider bill and contact the appropriate insurer or provider if something does not make sense.

Understand EOBs & Medical Bills →
Stay Informed

Use Your Coverage With More Confidence

Learn the common terms on your plan documents, EOBs and healthcare bills.

Open Health Insurance Glossary →