WPS Health Insurance Blog

While my wife and I were out for a stroll through the neighborhood last night, I caught a whiff of a distinct smell. Something I had not smelled for a number of months drifted past as I enjoyed the beautiful summer-like weather. When people fire up the coals in the grill, it is always a sure sign that the warm weather and summer are here to stay!

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), preventive care must be covered by most group and individual health insurance plans at 100% without any cost-sharing requirements. Preventive care helps keep people healthier and reduces health care expenses in the long term.

Eliminating carbohydrates from your diet, specifically complex carbs (starches) such as grains, beans, rice, pasta, and breads, can have both positive and negative effects on your health. The body needs carbs to function; they are its primary fuel source. But too many carbs can lead to increased weight gain.

If you own any kind of insurance–car, home, health–you’ve probably heard the term "deductible." But what does it mean?

As a health care consumer, it is important to understand which services require prior approval, also called pre-approval, pre-authorization or prior authorization. If you receive care without first obtaining a required prior approval, your health plan may reduce your benefits or simply not cover your claims.

Has the recent change in weather brought a renewed energy to your fitness routine? With extended daylight, warm temperatures, and fresh foliage comes an increased desire to be more active outdoors. It’s the perfect time to add more activity to your life. But jumping in too quickly can lead to injuries that could haunt you all summer. Here are some things to keep in mind as you increase your activity level.

In the past, I’ve spoken highly of staying late at the office, meticulously planning your diet, and ensuring you’re getting in your required exercise. Though these are all things we should keep up with the majority of the time, I recently began to think otherwise. Are they really that important in the grand scheme of things?

A high-deductible health plan (HDHP) is a special type of plan that typically offers a lower premium than a traditional health plan. The trade-off is that what you pay out of pocket for medical expenses is typically more. If you’re healthy and use mostly preventive services, and therefore don’t have many medical bills, this type of plan can save you money.

Strapped for time due to a busy, hectic schedule but you still want to get the full benefits of a long workout? Did you ever think about trying High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)? Don’t worry; it’s not as intimidating as it sounds! Just because it is high intensity doesn’t mean it has to be high-impact exercise. HIIT training is a great way to incorporate cardiovascular and strength training into a quick, high-intensity workout. 

You’re doing some yard work when you trip over a rake, fall against a tree, and bend your wrist—the wrong way. Ouch! You’re pretty sure it’s sprained. What should you do? Do you go to urgent care or to the emergency room?