Father’s Day: 3 steps for a meaningful wellness conversation with Dad
Father’s Day is often filled with fun outings, celebratory meals, and family time — but this annual tradition can also be a natural moment to check in on something even more important: Dad’s health and well-being.
Whether you're a spouse making sure your partner is taking care of himself, or an adult child checking in on an aging parent, a few thoughtful words can go a long way. To celebrate Father’s Day and June’s Men’s Health Month, here are three practical steps to help the men in your life get the healthcare and coverage they need.
Step 1: Encourage use of covered free preventive care
A good place to start is with an annual wellness visit, which research shows contributes to improved health outcomes. Ask Dad when he last had an annual checkup or if he’s due for any doctor-recommended preventive screenings. Unfortunately, a new survey found 42% of men say they have skipped an annual wellness checkup or preventive screening at least once in the past 12 months.
Annual wellness exams and preventive screenings are typically included at no cost under most health insurance plans, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, employer-sponsored, and Medicare plans. Annual wellness exams can help catch potential health issues early, plus they give Dad a chance to review his medications with a doctor and set goals for healthy living.
Step 2: Discuss dental, vision, and hearing care
Healthy teeth and gums, eyes, and ears all contribute to overall well-being, especially as men age. Routine dental exams can help prevent or treat gum disease, which is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, dementia, and certain types of cancer. Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation and cognitive decline, while unchecked vision issues can result in vision loss and other complications.
If Dad already has dental and vision coverage through an employer, ask whether he's using the preventive cleanings and exams that are typically included — these benefits are often overlooked. For dads or grandfathers eligible for Medicare, it's important to note that traditional Medicare does not include routine coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care, though many Medicare Advantage plans do.
Step 3: Review his health coverage
Take a moment to talk about Dad’s current health insurance, especially if he may qualify for a mid-year change. If he's enrolled in an ACA or Medicare plan, qualifying life events can make him eligible for a special enrollment period — which could enable him to pick a new plan better suited to her needs. Common qualifying events include moving to a new city or state, being diagnosed with certain chronic conditions, getting married or divorced (ACA plans), or losing other coverage, such as through an employer.
Health coverage needs change over time, and plans can change from year to year. Making sure he's enrolled in the right plan — now and in the future — can help support access to quality care while reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Finally, remember that you don't need to turn Father's Day into a formal health review. A thoughtful check-in can help the men in your life stay healthier, avoid unnecessary costs, and feel more confident about their care. And that's a gift that lasts beyond a single day.
- For additional insights, click here for an article from Forbes that cites eHealth data on the subject of men's health.