Why Terminology Matters in Health Insurance! Terminology matters because small differences in wording can have significant financial consequences for health plan members. One of the most misunderstood phrases is the difference between a provider being in network and a provider accepting a health plan . An in-network provider has a contractual agreement with the insurance company to provide services at negotiated rates. These providers are included in the plan’s network, allowing members to receive the highest level of benefits and the lowest out-of-pocket costs. By contrast, a provider who simply accepts a plan may submit claims to the insurance company but does not have a network contract. While the provider may be willing to see the patient, services could be processed as out-of-network, resulting in higher deductibles, coinsurance, or balance billing. When members confuse these terms, they may unknowingly receive care from out-of-network providers and face unexpected medical bills. Understanding the terminology helps members make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.

New Website Domain! We are excited to announce that our web domain has recently been updated to more accurately reflect our name! This means fewer keystrokes to locate us and shorter email addresses. Be sure to updated your records for our contact information to make sure neither of us miss anything. The new domain is crawfordbenefits.com .

Navigating Health Insurance Through Life's Twists and Turns! From saying “I do” to handling an ER visit, life can come at you fast and your health insurance needs to keep up. This month, we break down how major life events affect your coverage, what steps to take after a medical emergency, and the important deadlines you’ll want to mark on your calendar. We’re also throwing in some health insurance basics to keep you in the know.

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.

Valentines Isn't The Only Time to Pay Attention to Hearts! February is Heart Health Awareness Month, your reminder to put your heart first. Caring for your heart means staying on top of regular check-ups, choosing heart-healthy foods, keeping active, managing stress, and knowing how your health insurance supports preventive screenings and cardiac care. Your heart powers everything you do, so it deserves thoughtful, proactive care. Take the first step toward better heart health today; reach out to learn how your health insurance can help support your journey.

Happy New Year! We’re thrilled to kick off 2026 with you! This year is full of exciting opportunities to take charge of your health and make the most of your insurance and Medicare benefits. Whether you’re exploring new coverage options, adjusting to changes, or simply staying informed, we’re here to support you every step of the way. In this newsletter, you’ll find valuable updates, helpful tips, and expert insights to keep you in the know and empowered to make the best decisions for your health. Let’s work together to make 2026 your healthiest and most informed year yet!

Enrollment Season, Health Literacy, and More! Our October newsletter is here, and it’s packed with important updates! Annual Enrollment Season has officially begun, so now is the time to call and schedule your consult. This month is also Health Literacy Month, a perfect reminder to learn key insurance terms and better understand your coverage before your review. Inside, you’ll also find a breakdown of the major changes coming for 2026 so you can stay ahead and make confident choices. And, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our newsletter is proudly pink to show support and respect for those who are fighting and those we remember.

Enrollment Season, New Team Members, and More! Welcome to this month’s edition of Crawford Benefits Newsletter! We are excited to introduce Riley, the newest member of our office support team. This edition also features a special video with estate attorney Brad Coppedge where we discuss the importance of estate planning. Because September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, our newsletter is draped in orange to show our support. You’ll also find important dates for the upcoming enrollment season, which is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it. This months blogs will highlight both the significance of blood cancer awareness and practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Sunshine, Fresh Starts, and Mid-Year Motivation August brings the final stretch of summer, a time to soak in the warmth, welcome new beginnings, and gear up for the busy season ahead. This month we’re excited for new beginnings (Back to School), to announce our Client Appreciation date and highlight why life insurance matters, especially for parents. August is the perfect time to refocus, prepare for what’s next, and take care of what matters most.