Health Habits to Lower Your Health Care Costs
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right care location can significantly reduce health care expenses as an emergency room visit is five times more expensive than a visit to a primary care provider.
- Staying in-network with providers and using generic drugs can help lower medical costs.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet exercise and preventive care can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and lower health care expenses in the long run.
Health care can be expensive. Did you know there are many ways you can save money and manage your long-term health?
Here are a few tips you can use to save on health care expenses:
Get care at the right place
When you’re sick and need care, it’s important to know where to go. Emergency room visits are five times more expensive than a visit to your primary care provider (PCP). For life-threatening situations, emergency care is essential. But the ER isn’t the right place to get care for general illnesses. There are a variety of options to get quality care at a more affordable cost:
Start with primary care: Your primary care provider (PCP) should be your first call when you aren’t feeling well. They know your medical history, health conditions and medications.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Blue Care Network members can find a doctor near them by using the Find a Doctor tool, available on both bcbsm.com and the BCBSM mobile app.
Use the 24-Hour Nurse Line: If your PCP isn’t available or it’s after hours, Blue Cross’ 24-Hour Nurse Line allows you to talk to a registered nurse day or night. Registered nurses can answer your questions and help you decide where to get care when it’s late, you’re on the go or if your PCP isn’t available.
- Blue Cross members: 1-800-775-2583
- Blue Care Network members: 1-855-624-5214
Use virtual care: Virtual care is available 24/7 through Virtual Care by Teladoc Health®℠. This allows you to speak to a doctor by phone or video. Virtual care is a convenient option if you need urgent care, are unable to get to your PCP or need mental health support.
Urgent care clinics: For minor illnesses and injuries, especially when your PCP isn’t available, an urgent care or walk-in clinic can help you get the care you need. These clinics are typically more expensive than your PCP but cost less than a visit to the ER.
Stay in-network
When you choose a PCP or are looking for a specialist, stay in-network. In-network means the health care provider has partnered with the health insurance company and negotiated rates for care. Out-of-network providers don’t have these partnerships, and the care will cost more. Use the BCBSM mobile app to find in-network providers or talk to the provider before seeking care.
Use the BCBSM app
In the BCBSM mobile app, you can use tools to check your coverage, view explanation of benefits and get estimates for care and prescription drugs in addition to finding care.
You can also find health programs such as the Blue Cross® Virtual Well-Being Program and discounts that are available through your health plan.
Generic drugs
When it comes to medication, taking generic drugs is one key way to save money. Generic drugs are typically 80% to 85% less than brand-name medications, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your PCP about generic medications.
Not all drugs have a generic available. It can take 17 years for a generic to come on the market for a new drug. If you do take expensive medications, talk to your PCP to see if there could be a less expensive drug or biosimilar.
To find information about Blue Cross’ pharmacy benefits, log in to your member account at bcbsm.com. Click on "My Coverage," then "Prescription Drugs.” You can use the online tool to view your prescription drug benefits, medication costs including comparing brand-name and generic medications, and more.
Preventive care
Keep up to date with preventive care and recommended screenings to reduce your risk of chronic conditions or catch them early. Early treatment of conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease will help you stay healthy and save money on medical care.
Live a healthy lifestyle
Managing your physical and mental health reduces risks of chronic conditions that can increase health care expenses.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, lean meat and whole grains.
- Get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week.
- Get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
- Wear sunscreen daily.
- Manage stress.
- Take medications as prescribed.
Taking care of our physical health is one of the ways we can all make health care more affordable. Staying active, eating healthy and taking preventive steps to manage your health helps avoid costly complications and the need for medical care down the road. When more people lead healthier lives, we can all help lower health care costs, protect access and lower health care costs for everyone.
Learn more about how Blue Cross is working to make health care more affordable for our members and customers here.
Image: Getty Images
Related:
