The general enrollment period for 2018 health and dental plans ended in December 2017. Now that you have health coverage, here are ways for you to connect with primary care and preventive services so that you can live a long and healthy life!

Insurance plans can differ depending on the providers you see and how much you have to pay. You will pay the lowest costs for services when you see a doctor or provider in your plan's network. Call your doctor's office, check with your insurance company, or search for a doctor using this search tool from the Maryland Health Connection .

Vaccinations, screenings, and checkups may be available to you at no cost, including doctor visits, immunization vaccines, blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, diabetes (Type 2) screening, and mental health care. Carefully review your Summary of Benefits and Coverage in your plan to see what services are covered and what costs may apply for each.

Once you have scheduled an appointment with your doctor, be prepared for you visit! Bring the following documents with you during your appointment: your insurance card, photo ID, a list of medications you are currently taking, and a payment for your copay if you have one. You can ask for a receipt for your records. You may be asked to fill out forms about your health history and medical records, thus it is important to show up early for your visit.

If you are unsure of what to ask the doctor during your visit, check out AAHI's  Good Health In Your Hands booklet which aims to improve communication between community members with their care provider. The booklet includes basic English terms and expressions that will be useful during a doctor's visit in the clinic or hospital. It is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Hindi, and Vietnamese.