March 2026 Newsletter
Know Your Health Insurance Lingo: 5 Key Terms You Shouldn't Ignore
FHealth insurance can feel like learning a new language, but understanding a few key terms can make a huge difference when it comes to using and choosing your benefits wisely (and avoiding surprise costs). Here's a quick cheat sheet:
- Deductible- This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services before your insurance shares in costs. Example: If your deductible is $1,500, you pay the first $1,500 in medical bills before your plan starts sharing the cost. Some services may be covered before deductible such as preventative care.
- Copay- A flat fee you pay upfront for certain services, like $25 for a doctor’s visit or $10 for a prescription. Copays don't count toward your deductible.
- Coinsurance- Once you’ve met your deductible, you may still pay a percentage of the bill, called coinsurance. For example, if your plan has 20% coinsurance, you pay 20% of the cost and your plan pays the other 80% until you reach your out of pocket maximum.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum- This is your safety net! Once you’ve paid this total amount for the year (including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for ACA plans), your plan covers 100% of eligible costs for the rest of the year.
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network- Going “in-network” means you’re using providers who have a contract with your insurance carrier, meaning lower costs for you. “Out-of-network” doctors or facilities can cost much more, and may not be covered at all.
March 19 is International Clients Day!
We couldn’t let the month go by without saying thank you to our amazing clients. Your trust means everything to us, and we’re proud to be your go-to resource for questions, guidance, and coverage you can count on. We’re always here when you need us!
Help Welcome
Tatum Wilder Lovelace!
Help us welcome the newest addition to the Crawford Benefits family. Taylor and her husband, Logan, became parents to Tatum Wilder in February. They are enjoying this exciting new chapter and soaking up all the newborn snuggles (so are Grandma and Grandpa)! The Crawford Benefits team is thrilled to celebrate this special time for this sweet family and welcome Tatum to the team, as well.
Office Closure Dates:
- April 3
- Good Friday
- May 25
- Memorial Day
Important Dates to Remember:
- January 1 - March 31
- Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans Only
- Existing Advantage Plans Only
- March 31
- Over the Counter Q1 Deadline (MAPD ONLY)
Spring Into Health
Spring is finally here and with it comes a sense of renewal. As the days grow longer and routines begin to shift, March is the perfect time to refocus on your health. While many people think about insurance only during enrollment season, understanding your coverage is something that benefits you all year long. A quick spring check-in can help you avoid surprises, close coverage gaps, and step into the new season feeling confident and prepared.
Spring Into Health
Your health plan’s online portal is one of the easiest ways to manage your healthcare, yet many people don’t realize how much it can do. From reviewing benefits and finding in network providers to checking claims and accessing digital ID cards, the portal puts important information at your fingertips.
Taking a few minutes to set up and explore your account can save time, reduce frustration, and help you better understand your coverage before you need care. It is a simple step that can make managing your health feel much more manageable.
Read the full blog to learn how to access your portal, navigate key features, and make the most of the tools available to you.
From the Kitchen Of Crawford Benefits
We offer Notary Services!
As a reminder, we offer notary services free to our valued clients—no appointment needed! Whether you need documents notarized for insurance, legal matters, or other important paperwork, simply stop by our office, and we’ll take care of it for you. It’s just another way we’re committed to providing exceptional service and support. Visit us anytime during business hours, and let us assist you!
