Overview
When it comes to purchasing products, we — as consumers — almost always look at the price tag.
Yet with all the money we spend on health care — from premiums to prescriptions to doctor’s visits — we rarely think about the price of these services. And, as health care prices continue to rise, that ends up costing more for you and your family. Help manage your out-of-pocket expenses with these tips.
Be well, buy smart
Follow these steps to be a smart health care shopper.
Use in-network providers.
They’ve agreed to charge only up to negotiated rates and bill your insurance company directly, which saves you money and time. Also, check with your insurance company to ensure that the services you and your dependents require are covered before you receive care.
Keep up with preventive care.
It’s covered in full by all of our medical plans and can help detect and prevent potentially costly health issues early. You pay nothing for annual physicals, immunizations, routine cancer screenings, and more when you see in-network providers.
Choose the right place to get care.
Should you go to the doctor’s office, an urgent care facility, or the emergency room? Going to the most appropriate place for your needs will save you time and money! View the Medical Care Options Chart.
Use tax-free money to pay for eligible health expenses.
Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is easy and saves you money on expenses you’d have to pay anyway.
Shop smart for prescriptions.
Using generic alternatives will almost always save you money — and they’re just as effective as brand name prescriptions. It’s also a good idea to call a few local pharmacies to compare prices before deciding where to fill a prescription. For your ongoing prescriptions, use the mail-order service to save money and time.