Taking control of asthma and healthcare costs

For Regina, a 40-year-old instructional designer with a passion for animals and barre fitness, life often felt like a struggle for air. "I just lived with constant chest tightness," she recalls. "Deep breaths, meditation, even yoga – things that should have calmed me – only spiked my stress levels because I couldn't breathe." Unbeknownst to her, Regina had been living with undiagnosed asthma for years.

But the challenges weren't just physical. Regina's previous health insurance plan left her grappling with sky-high out-of-pocket costs for the endless tests and specialist visits needed to uncover the root of her breathing problems.

"I felt trapped," Regina admits. "Like so many of us, I thought this was just how healthcare was – expensive and frustrating." Two trips to the emergency room for shortness of breath only resulted in dismissive diagnoses of anxiety, leaving Regina feeling unheard and discouraged.

Then, while browsing her employee benefits portal at IDEXX, Regina discovered the Firefly Health plan which changed everything. Intrigued by the promise of lower costs and a virtual-first approach, Regina decided to give it a try.

From her very first appointment, Regina felt a difference. "Danielle, my nurse practitioner, truly listened to me," she emphasizes. "I felt believed." The Firefly care team, which included a doctor, nurse, and health guide, took the time to understand Regina's full health history and delve into her symptoms. They suspected a non-traditional form of asthma, a diagnosis that finally shed light on Regina's lifelong struggles.

But Firefly offered more than just a diagnosis. The care team provided ongoing support, coordinating specialist referrals and ensuring Regina had access to the best possible care. "They took so much of the burden off my shoulders," she says.

With the Firefly app, managing her health became seamless. Regina could message her care team anytime, track her expenses, and access her health information with ease. "It's all right there in my hand," she explains. "And the cost savings have been colossal".

Today, Regina is breathing easier – both physically and financially. Armed with the right diagnosis and a supportive care team, she's taking control of her asthma and her well-being. She shares that "the Firefly experience really eliminates so much of the headache and as my year has gone on, I've realized more and more how much I appreciate it and hope I can stay with this plan."