Getting Started With Your Coverage
Where to start with your health plan and how to make the most of your benefits.
Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider (PCP) is the best place to start when you need any type of health care.
They can take care of your preventive care, diagnose diseases and illnesses, and help you find the right specialists when you need them. They’ll help you navigate the health care system so you can concentrate on your health. They can work with any specialists you have and put all the pieces together to get the “big picture” of your health.
CHOOSING A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER:
Your PCP is your main point of contact for getting health care services, so it's important you find a doctor or provider who you trust, feel comfortable with, and who encourages you to be an active participant in your health care.
Don't treat the decision of choosing a PCP lightly. Do some research and don't be afraid to meet with several doctors before you make a decision.
Most health insurance plans allow you to switch your PCP whenever you want, so know that you can always change your mind, too.
- Find a doctor who works as part of a care team: Find a doctor who works as part of a "care team," where a dedicated group of doctors, nurses, educators, and other health care professionals works together to care for patients. Martin's Point Health Care Centers use care teams.
- See which doctors have been designated as providing high-quality health care: If you're looking for a doctor in Maine, you can check physician ratings at Get Better Maine to see which doctors have been designated as providing high-quality health care.
- Be sure to search your health plan's provider directory: Most health insurance plans have a network of providers you must use to get the best rates. Be sure to search your health plan's provider directory and use an in-network provider when possible. You'll spend much less on your health care services when you do so.
Additional Member Resources
Find additional information on using your benefits, after-hours and emergency care, prescription and pharmacies, reimbursements, and other forms to help you get the most out of your health plan.