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Overview

We know cost is important when it comes to choosing your benefits. Here are a few ways you can help control your health care spending.

  1. 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 a service is covered before you receive care.
  2. Keep up with preventive care. When you enroll in a medical plan, it’s covered in full to help detect and prevent potentially costly health issues early. You pay nothing for annual physicals, recommended immunizations, routine cancer screenings, and more when you see in-network providers.
  3. Use tax-free money to pay for eligible health expenses. Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is easy and saves you money on expenses you’d have to pay anyway.
  4. Shop smart for prescriptions. Using generic alternatives will almost always save you money — and they’re just as effective as brand name prescriptions. Also, try calling 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.
  5. Compare costs. Use the cost lookup tools on your medical plan carrier’s website — BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) , Cigna, or Kaiser — to get informed before receiving health care services.
  6. Choose the right place to receive care. Facilities charge different amounts for the same services, so think about your options when you or a family member needs medical attention. Going to the right place for your situation will help you save money and get the most appropriate care.
TELEMEDICINE
 DOCTOR'S OFFICE
 URGENT CARE CLINIC
 EMERGENCY ROOM
Use it for
A common, non-emergency medical issue that can be diagnosed by phone or online A condition that doesn’t need immediate attention and can wait until the next day A condition that needs immediate care, but is not life- or limb-threatening A life-threatening or potentially crippling condition that needs immediate attention
Examples
  • Colds and allergies, flu/cough
  • Ear infections, pink eye
  • Behavioral health
  • Sore throat, fever
  • Routine exam, screening
  • Checkup, vaccine, prescription refill
  • Broken bone, severe sprain or strain
  • Cut requiring stitches
  • Anxiety attack
  • Sudden weakness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Chest pain, difficulty breathing
Cost*
Average price: $

$34

 Average price: $

$0 (preventive)

$176 (non-preventive)

 Average price: $$

$229

 Average price:$$$

$821 (minor); $1,644 (moderate); $3,069 (severe)
Find it
If you enroll in the Cigna or BCBS plan, this service will be provided through your carrier Call your regular doctor or search for an in-network provider on your medical plan carrier’s website Search for urgent care clinics near you at urgentcarelocations.com Call 911 or search online for the nearest hospital

*Average costs are from healthcarebluebook.com. Contact your health insurance carrier for your specific costs.

5 tips to save money