How to save money on healthcare

Here are 10 ways to lower your healthcare costs

There are many things you can do to save money on medical costs while still getting quality care. Here are 10 things you can do to stay on top of your health and your budget.

Take care of yourself and stay healthy.

A great way to save money on your healthcare is to stay healthy. Chronic conditions and diseases are often preventable. Building healthy habits to avoid them can be great for your health and wallet. Stay healthy by eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, staying active and getting enough sleep each night.

Take advantage of tools and resources to improve your health.

As a Blue Cross of Idaho member, you have access Sharecare, a wellbeing tool to help you get and stay healthy by doing things like eating better, lowering your stress levels and being more active! You’ll start by taking the RealAge® Test to set up your profile, and then you’ll get personalized health and wellbeing tips on things you can do every day to improve your health.

To get the app, visit bcidaho.sharecare.com to create your Sharecare account, download the app and take the RealAge® Test. Do not download the Sharecare app directly from the App Store or Google Play.

Take advantage of your preventive health benefits.

Be sure to take advantage of benefits like wellness visits and preventive health screenings available at no cost to you to stay on top of your health. Not only are these included as part of your plan benefits, but they can help you catch any issues early.

Follow preventive guidelines.

Keep yourself healthy and save money on health expenses over time by following preventive guidelines for regular checkups, immunizations and tests. Your coverage includes preventive care at no cost to you, so there’s no reason not to take good care of yourself! Visit members.bcidaho.com, select Tools & Resources, then Preventive Care Services for the latest list of covered preventive care.

Follow your doctor’s instructions.

You’ll get the most out of your visit if you follow prescribed treatments and instructions after your visit.

Use generic drugs.

Generic drugs can cost 80-85% less than brand-name drugs but use the same active ingredients and have the same results. Ask your provider or pharmacist if generic versions are available of the brand-name drugs you take.

Visit in-network providers.

When you visit an in-network provider with a referral from your primary care provider (PCP), you usually pay lower out-of-pocket costs. With or without a referral, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs when you see an out-of-network provider.

Ask your PCP if a recommended service is necessary.

Ask questions about the services providers may recommend for you. Make sure to let your PCP know about any treatments or medications a specialist or other provider recommends to you.

Go to the emergency room only in an emergency.

You will save money when you visit your PCP or urgent care clinic for routine ailments such as sore throats, colds, flu, earaches, minor back pain and tension headaches.

Check your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).

Carefully review your EOBs to make sure they only include procedures and services you received. Call the Blue Cross of Idaho Customer Service Department at the number on the back of your member ID card if you think we made a mistake a mistake.

                                                                                      

Disclaimer: This wellness program is administered by Sharecare, Inc., an independent company that provides health improvement management services to Blue Cross of Idaho members. Sharecare, Inc., does not provide Blue Cross of Idaho products or services and is solely responsible for the health improvement management services it provides.

 

Posted: October 12, 2022