Health Insurance

How to make the most of affordable health insurance plans in 2025

Read Time

9 Minutes

Written by

Team Curative

Published

Jan 16, 2025

Your health benefits only help you if you use them, and you can only use them if you understand them. It’s time to set yourself up for success by learning to make the most of your affordable health insurance. This new year, set health goals that are practical, sustainable, and designed to help you thrive all year long.

young doctor writing notes during a consultation with a patient in a medical office

What’s your focus for 2025?

Millions resolve to improve their lives every January, and health consistently tops the list. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 79% of people set yearly resolutions to improve their physical health, like exercising more or eating better. Another common theme is mental wellness, with many prioritizing better stress management and work-life balance. Whether scheduling overdue checkups or finally tackling your fitness goals, focusing on health resolutions now can lead to lasting benefits.

Understanding affordable health insurance plans

Before jumping into appointments and wellness goals, take a moment to review your health plan details. Affordable health insurance plans come with specific benefits — understanding these helps you get the most out of your coverage. Let’s break it down: what’s covered, what it costs, and how to access the care you and your family need.

What’s covered

Understanding what services your plan includes is critical. The best affordable health insurance plans cover:

Preventive care: Wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccinations.
Prescription medications: Covered drugs outlined in your plan’s formulary.
Chronic condition support: Care for ongoing conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Specialist referrals: Visits to specialists often require a referral from your primary care physician.

Take the time to read through your benefits guide to ensure you understand what’s included in your coverage.

What it costs

To anticipate your out-of-pocket costs, you should familiarize yourself with the main terms associated with health plans:

Premiums: The monthly amount you pay to maintain your coverage.
Deductibles: The amount you need to pay out-of-pocket before your plan starts covering certain services.
Copayments: A fixed fee you pay for services like doctor visits or prescriptions.
Coinsurance: Your share of costs for covered services, usually a percentage of the total cost.
Out-of-pocket maximums: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services before your insurance covers 100%.

Knowing these terms will help you budget for healthcare costs and avoid surprises.

How to access care

Affordable health insurance plans make care more accessible — when you know where to look. Making sure you and your loved ones receive the care you need starts with understanding your options:

Find in-network providers: Staying in-network helps you minimize costs. Confirm that your providers, specialists, and hospitals are part of your plan’s network.
Virtual care options: Many plans now include telehealth services, making connecting with doctors for physical or mental health care easy without leaving home.
Emergency vs. urgent care: Knowing the difference can save you time and money. Urgent care centers are ideal for non-life-threatening issues, while the ER can be used for medical emergencies.

If your plan includes dependent coverage, take the extra steps for those counting on you. Schedule routine checkups, immunizations, and preventive care for children. Confirm coverage for specialist visits and prescription medications for any of your dependents. You can also see what mental health resources extend to spouses and kids to support their wellness.

Choose a primary care provider (PCP) you trust

Your PCP is the foundation of your health journey — they are your first line of defense for maintaining your health and coordinating specialized care when needed. Studies show that having a PCP is linked to better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and increased patient satisfaction. Yet, according to USA Today, one-third of Americans do not have a primary care provider.

Why does this matter? A PCP:

Helps you manage chronic conditions and identify potential health risks early
Coordinates referrals to specialists for more complex care
Builds a long-term relationship with you, ensuring consistent care and personalized advice

Despite the benefits, research shows people often delay selecting a PCP due to a lack of information or confusion about their network. Check your insurance plan’s website for a provider search tool.

Know the importance of prior authorizations

Before scheduling specific procedures, tests, or medications, you may need a prior authorization (PA) from your insurance provider. This process ensures the care is medically necessary and covered under your health plan. While it can feel like an extra step, it protects you from unnecessary treatments, surprise costs, and higher out-of-pocket expenses. To streamline the process, work with your doctor and reference your benefits booklet and formulary (drug list).

Staying proactive with prior authorizations ensures you get the necessary care without unnecessary delays.

Healthcare front desk employee scheduling patient visits

Schedule your health appointments now

Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to following through on your healthcare goals. Research shows that people are 2-3 times more likely to complete tasks when they schedule them in advance, thanks to the behavioral principle known as "implementation intention." You're far more likely to follow through when you set a specific plan — like choosing a date and time for your doctor’s appointment.

Start the new year strong by booking your appointments now:

Annual checkups: These provide baseline health data and help detect issues early.
Preventive screenings: Take advantage of cancer screenings, bone density tests, and cholesterol checks.
Mental health care: Prioritize your well-being by scheduling virtual or in-person therapy sessions.

By locking in your appointments, you remove the guesswork and set yourself up for success in achieving your health goals.

Explore wellness programs included in your plan

Wellness programs are designed to help you stay healthy, manage conditions, and take proactive steps toward your goals — all while making the most of your affordable health insurance plan.

Address substance use management

If you’re tied to alcohol, tobacco, or non-prescription drugs, your health plan can be a valuable resource to break the cycle.

Substance use management programs may provide access to counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services, helping individuals take control of their health and make positive lifestyle changes. By utilizing these resources, policyholders can navigate challenges more effectively, ensuring they receive the necessary care without financial strain.

Nutrition and weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight and good nutrition is key to overall well-being. Proper nutrition and weight management are fundamental to maintaining good health, and many affordable health insurance plans include resources to support these goals. Coverage might encompass dietitian consultations, access to healthy eating workshops, and weight management programs. Taking advantage of your plan’s nutritional benefits can help you establish balanced eating habits and achieve long-term health goals, enhancing your overall well-being in 2025.

Chronic condition management

Managing chronic conditions can be overwhelming, but affordable health insurance plans often offer comprehensive support. These may include coverage or programs for regular check-ups, specialist consultations, and personalized treatment plans for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. By staying proactive with these management tools, you can better control your condition, reduce complications, and improve your quality of life.

patient picking up prescription from local pharmacy

Review your prescriptions and pharmacy benefits

Prescription medications can represent a significant portion of out-of-pocket healthcare costs — and for many, the expense can be an unexpected burden. In fact, according to a 2024 report by GoodRx, over 60% of Americans see the cost of their prescription medications as a burden, and nearly 1 in 3 people have skipped medications due to affordability concerns. To avoid surprises and get the care you need, here’s what to do:

Confirm coverage: Review your health plan’s formulary to see if your medications are included.
Explore alternatives: If a prescription isn’t covered, ask your doctor about generic or lower-cost alternatives.
Find convenient options: Many plans offer mail-order services or local in-network pharmacies to make refills simple and affordable.

Staying proactive about your prescriptions not only saves money but also helps you stay consistent with your treatment plan, improving long-term health outcomes.

About Curative

Curative is a health plan employees love for its affordability, engagement, and simplicity. With $0 copays and deductibles, members can get the care they need when they need it without the financial burden. Imagine — a health plan that delivers better health without hurting your wallet.

With Curative’s Baseline Visit and Care Navigator, you can better understand your benefits, identify your care options, and feel confident that your headed toward health goals.

Curative helps members take control of their health with access to programs like weight management coaching, personalized nutrition services, and partnerships with fitness services like ClassPass. These resources are designed to help you stay on track and make sustainable changes that benefit your long-term health.

Learn more about affordable health insurance plans today.

*Every Curative member can continue to qualify for the $0 deductible or copay for covered services from providers listed on Provider Search and preferred prescriptions by completing a Baseline Visit in the first 120 days of the plan’s effective date.

*Members in Texas and Florida can access virtual therapy through Televero, and all members outside of Texas can access virtual therapy through Teledoc.

*Healthcare is provided through the Teladoc network of medical providers or NormanMD for members in Texas. Treatment options and eligibility determinations made by independent licensed medical providers.

To see all disclaimers, please view here.