By Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement, eHealth

Mother’s Day is often filled with cards, meals, and family time — but it's also a natural moment to check in on something more important: the health and well-being of the moms in your life.

Whether you're a spouse making sure your partner is taking care of herself, or an adult child checking in on an aging parent, a few thoughtful words can go a long way. Here are three steps to turn this year's celebration into a meaningful wellness check — so the women you love get the healthcare and coverage they need.

Step 1: Encourage the use of preventive care
A good place to start is with an annual wellness visit, which research shows contributes to improved health outcomes. Ask when her last checkup was, or whether she's due for any recommended preventive screenings — such as a mammogram, which is now recommended for most women starting at age 40. A new survey found that 50% of American women age 30 and older are mistaken about, or didn't know, at what age mammograms are recommended.

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 Mom a chance to review her 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. 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 she already has dental and vision coverage through an employer, ask whether she's using the preventive cleanings and exams that are typically included — these benefits are often overlooked. For moms or grandmothers 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 her health coverage
Take a moment to talk about her current health insurance, especially if she may qualify for a mid-year change. If she's enrolled in an ACA or Medicare plan, qualifying life events can make her eligible for a special enrollment period — which could enable her 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 she'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 Mother's Day into a formal health review. A thoughtful check-in can help the moms in your life stay healthier, avoid unnecessary costs, and feel more confident about their care. And that's a gift that lasts far beyond a single day.