Wellness perks to look for in a health plan

by Kaiser Permanente | January 27, 2025

You expect a health plan to cover the essentials. Care like routine checkups, emergency room visits, and prescriptions usually come standard. Your must-haves might also include a mobile app and telehealth options. Together, these benefits help you manage your health when it matters most.

But what if your health plan also supported your everyday well-being? Whether you want to spend less on your favorite workout or learn to manage stress in the moment, your plan might help. Look for wellness perks like gym memberships, mental health apps, and more. These extras work hand in hand with health care — supporting your mind and body so you can feel your best and save money.

While every plan is different, some include perks that help you manage your mental and physical health. Here are some extras that might come with your plan at no cost or a reduced rate.

Help managing stress and navigating challenges can be an invaluable perk. Look for a plan that offers mental wellness tools like guided meditations and mood tracking. Some health plans cover the cost of popular apps, so you can cut back on a monthly subscription.

Staying active is easier when cost isn’t a concern. Some plans support your fitness goals by helping cover the cost of gyms, fitness studios, or online workout platforms. 

If you want to manage pain or reduce stress, some plans offer reduced rates on acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage. These therapies can help with many issues, including:

• Back, neck, and joint pain
• Sports injuries
• Migraines
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

Create daily habits around good health with wellness programs and coaching. Get advice and tools that help put your goals within reach — like weight loss or managing a condition. Programs may be offered one-on-one, in groups, online, or in person. 

If you have a specific health issue or need help with finances, look for a plan that offers food perks. These can include meal delivery or grocery allowances.

Some plans reward you for healthy activities, like getting a flu shot or a preventive screening.

When you’re a Kaiser Permanente member, you get a range of wellness perks that support your health beyond the doctor’s office.

Self-care apps. Access no-cost wellness apps for your mental and emotional well-being.¹

• Calm — The number one app for sleep and meditation.² Access more than 100 guided meditations and Sleep Stories, plus music for focus, relaxation, and sleep.
• Headspace Care — Text an emotional support coach 24/7. Discuss your challenges and create plans to meet your goals.

Fitness programs and alternative therapies. Support a healthier lifestyle with exercise services and complementary care.³

• ClassPass — Get thousands of on-demand workouts at no cost, plus reduced rates on in-person classes and gym time.
• One Pass Select Affinity from Optum — Access thousands of gyms and studios nationwide through a membership at a reduced rate.
• Optum’s affinity musculoskeletal program — Get 20% off participating acupuncturists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.

Professional advice. Get personalized guidance to build healthier daily habits.

• Wellness coaching — Connecting with a coach by phone can help you see results. Get guidance on topics like eating well, exercising, and reducing stress.
• Educational classes and programs — Sign up for programs and classes to help you achieve your health goals.⁴
• Total Health Assessment — Personalized online advice to help you make healthier choices. Focus on exercise, stress, nutrition, weight, tobacco, sleep, and more.

Healthy food. Get access to nutritious food — at your doorstep and at the doctor’s office.

• Grocery delivery — A One Pass Select Affinity membership also includes grocery delivery services to make healthy eating easier.
• Farmers markets — Find fresh produce at some of our medical facilities. (Availability varies. Check with your local facility for days and times.)

Your plan may include a range of extras to support your health between doctor visits. These perks benefit your physical and emotional well-being while keeping your costs down. To learn more about your perks, visit your plan’s website or review your employer’s benefits package.

Footnotes
¹The apps and services described above are not covered under your health plan benefits, are not a Medicare-covered benefit, and are not subject to the terms set forth in your Evidence of Coverage or other plan documents. The apps and services may be discontinued at any time.

²Calm is the number one app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation. Learn more at calm.com/blog/about.

³The services described above are not covered under your health plan benefits and are not subject to the terms set forth in your Evidence of Coverage or other plan documents. These services may be discontinued at any time without notice.

⁴Some classes may require a fee.