Unlock the full potential of your health insurance while saving on health care costs

As health care costs continue to rise and consumers increasingly look for ways to maximize their insurance coverage, it’s more important than ever to empower individuals and families with practical strategies to get the most value from their health insurance. Helping people access services, avoid unexpected expenses, and make informed choices about their care is essential in today’s economy.

Prices for medical care from 2000 to 2024 increased 40% faster than everyday prices, like groceries and gas.ⁱ And that increases the cost of premiums and co-pays, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

The consequence - 4 in 10 Americans said they put off care because of cost^[i] and 3 in 10 U.S. adults have cut pills in half, skipped a dose, or stop taking a medication due to the high cost of prescription drugs.

“We understand that the rising cost of health care is a major concern for many individuals and families,” says Alex Levi, vice president of Customer Care at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Fortunately, there are practical steps people can take to make their coverage work harder for them—like choosing in-network providers, using preventive care, and exploring telehealth or prescription savings. Our goal is to help members feel empowered and informed so they can access the care they need without unnecessary financial strain.”

What You Can Do to Save Money

1. Talking to your provider. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider about treatment options or medications that will work well for you, but at a more affordable cost. Help them understand your financial limitations so they can determine the best treatments for you.
    
2. Making smart choices about where and how you receive care can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.
   • Use in-network providers: Insurance plans often have negotiated rates with network doctors and hospitals, which typically cost less than out-of-network care.
   • Seek telehealth options when your doctor isn’t available: Virtual visits for certain types of care can help you access care sooner and potentially prevent more expensive health problems down the road.
      
3. Staying ahead of your and your loved ones’ health issues not only improves outcomes but can also help avoid expensive treatments later.
   • Take advantage of preventative care: Your health insurance most likely covers services like vaccines, screenings, and annual checkups at no additional cost. Find out what your benefits include and stay proactive – it can help keep you healthy and prevent costly treatments later.
   • Compare prescription drug costs: Different pharmacies may charge different prices. Also, your insurer may offer prescription discount or mail service programs that can reduce costs. 
     • Drug assistance programs: New York state offers the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program to seniors to help supplement out of pocket Medicare Part D drug plan costs. 
     • Manufacturer assistance programs: Pharmaceutical companies may offer an assistance program on the medications they manufacture.
        
4. Knowing how your insurance works can help you plan and manage expenses more effectively.
   • Understand deductibles and copayments: Knowing how much you pay upfront and what your insurance covers helps you make informed financial decisions about care.
   • Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA): These accounts let you set aside pretax money for eligible medical expenses, saving on overall health care costs.
   • Learn about health and wellness discounts like free or discounted gym members offered by your insurer.
      
5. Exploring financial support options and reassessing your plan annually ensures your coverage fits your needs and budget.
   • Check for financial assistance programs: Some hospitals and clinics offer financial aid or payment plans, especially those struggling to cover their medical expenses.
   • Review your plan annually: Health needs change and switching to a plan that better fits your current situation can be a cost-saving move.

While health care costs can feel overwhelming, understanding and effectively using your health insurance can make a difference. 

“By taking simple proactive steps, with the right knowledge and tools, managing health care expenses becomes not just possible, but empowering,” says Levi. “Remember: your health insurance is more than just a safety net – it's a resource."

If you are an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield member, help is just a phone call away – for questions about your coverage or anything else related to your or your family’s care, call Customer Care at the number on the back of your member ID card.

Excellus BCBS members, for example, can take advantage of the following resources:

• How Health Insurance Works
• Find a Doctor tool
• Estimate Medical Costs tool
• Log in to your member account to view your benefits
• Recommended screenings and vaccines
• Health and wellness discounts
• Telemedicine
• Mail service pharmacy

If you are a Medicare member on several drugs, take advantage of a free one-on-one consultation with a health-plan pharmacist to review your medication therapy when offered.

ⁱhttps://www.bcbs.com/news-and-insights/white-paper/affordability-solutions-white-paper
^[i] https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/