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Recently, I needed to upgrade my home’s wireless modem mesh system. My current system was only about four years old, but was causing spotty Internet all over the house. It was obvious that I needed to upgrade, but I didn’t want to pay the cost of a new system.

That’s when my wife asked if I had any health insurance rewards? I wasn’t sure what she was referring to. She explained that many insurance companies incentivize members for things such as getting routine screenings and doctor’s appointments to manage their health. If you think about it, it makes sense. By tracking members’ health and wellness and offering rewards, the health insurance companies are promoting good health. The problem is that many of us, me included, didn’t know that these programs existed, or didn’t want to take the time to fill out the forms. 

My wife then logged onto our health insurance plan portal online and selected the Wellness and Rewards tab on my account. Immediately I saw there were easy options for me to earn a couple of Amazon gift cards right away for things I had already done. During the next 20 minutes, I earned Amazon gift cards by doing the following:
 

• Updating my contact information. 
• Downloading the health insurance app.
• Connecting my account to a fitness tracker app.
• Completing a health assessment.

Next thing you know, I clicked on redeem my rewards and I had earned a $100 in Amazon gift cards, which I then used to upgrade my modem. It was quick and easy, and I didn’t have to wait for the gift cards either. They were in my account and ready to redeem automatically upon finishing a reward task. 

I was curious to know how I could earn more rewards, so I started looking at different programs I could enroll in. For example, I can earn rewards for the following:
 

• Getting an annual exam or checkup.
• Getting a flu shot.
• Enrolling in condition care, meaning working with a nurse on managing my MS.
• Working with a well-being coach on weight loss and fitness goals.

All of these things, most of which I was planning to do anyway, I now realize qualify for rewards from my health insurance plan. It is just up to me to remember to log on and complete these activities to earn and redeem the rewards. 

Now, not all insurance companies offer these plans. You would have to check either online or by calling customer service for your particular health plan to learn more about wellness rewards. It is definitely worth looking into and if you put in the effort, you could take advantage of wellness reward programs that your health insurance offers.