888-765-5400Managing Health Care – What Blue Cross Blue Shield NC Recommends
Managing your health can be tricky, but there are some things you can do to make a big difference in the cost of your overall health care. Although this list is not exhaustive, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers some great tips on how you can help keep the cost of health care to a minimum. Whether you are enrolled in one of many popular plans, including Blue Advantage, Blue Value or Blue Select, the following management tips can help you maximize your plan’s coverage and minimize your plan’s cost.
1. See your primary care physician first: Typically, primary care doctors offer a variety of important services and usually cost less than more expensive specialists. Your primary care physician is also more acquainted with your health history and is better equipped to help guide you should you be in need of more specialized care.
2. Stay in network: Choosing an in-network provider is of utmost importance as it will help reduce your out-of-pocket expense. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers a convenient Find a Doctor tool that will allow you to research whether your particular doctor is a part of the BCBSNC network.
3. Determine if you have an emergency: For situations that are non-life-threatening, urgent care facilities will often save you both time and money. If you do have an emergency, you should always call 911 or visit the closest emergency room, but for less serious illnesses and injuries an urgent care doctor may be your best choice.
4. Read your benefit book: Although not the most exciting book you may read this year, it could be among the most important. Understanding how your plan’s benefits work will help you avoid unexpected costs and reading your booklet or contacting a benefit specialist can save you big bucks.
5. Talk to a nurse first: As a BCBSNC member, you can call Health Line Blue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a specially trained nurse and ask questions before you visit your health care provider. Discussing your symptoms with a nurse or even your own physician first can help you determine if an appointment to your doctor’s office is necessary or not.
6. Ask questions: Very often, the billing department at your provider’s office can tell you the exact cost of a procedure or service before you have it. This can help you avoid unexpected fees.
7. Practice preventive care: With every Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan, preventive care maintenance is covered at 100% so take advantage of those benefits. Regular check-ups and immunizations go a long way in helping you to stay healthy.
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.