10 Money Saving Healthcare Tips

          1. Take care of yourself: Don’t let a nagging problem get worse and end up in the emergency room. Your family doctor or other primary care provider is your best resource for non-emergency medical needs.

          2. Stay in network: Visiting in-network health care providers saves you out-of-pocket costs. Check out the online provider directory at www.bcbsnc.com/memberservices to see which doctors participate in our network and what deductible and coinsurance amounts may apply to your visit.

          3. Save money with generic drugs: Did you know that some generic drugs can cost 80 percent less than their name brand counterpart? Make a habit of asking your pharmacist if a generic option is available.

          4. Free and discounted customer benefits: Improve your health and save money by enrolling in Member Health PartnershipsSM1. These programs offer special tools and savings to help you lose weight, manage stress, quit tobacco and manage a host of other conditions.

          5. Tap into Blue Extras: For cost savings on hearing aids, vision care, vitamins and more.

          6. In the know: Reading your benefits book before you have a medical procedure will help you understand how your health benefits work and help you avoid any unexpected costs.

          7. Be a smart health care shopper: Use the Estimate Health Care Cost tool at www.bcbsnc.com to check average prices for physician office visits, diagnostic procedures and screenings, prescription drugs and treatment options.

          8. Know your options: Health insurance is important. Compare affordable plans with a variety of deductible options.

          9. Keep track of your health care dollars: Visit www.bcbsnc.com/memberservices to keep track of your claims and your out-of-pocket costs.

          10. The following resources may be available for eligible applicants:

                a. NC Health Insurance Risk pool: www.nchirp.org
                b. North Carolina Medicaid: www.ncdhhs.gov/dma
                c. Free clinics: www.ncfreeclinics.org
                d. North Carolina Health Choice for Children: www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/cpcont.htm
                e. NC Seniors Health Insurance Information Program: www.ncdoi.com/Consumer/Shiip/Shiip.asp
                f. United Way: www.nc211.org

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details. 

These Tips are reprinted from Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. SM1 Service Mark of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. U6167,10/08

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at 8:58 pm and is filed under BCBSNC Insurance, Miscellaneous Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.