Overview
When it comes to purchasing products, we usually look at the price tag. Yet with all the money we spend on health care — from premiums to prescriptions to doctor’s office visits — we don't always consider the price of these services. As health care prices continue to rise, your care ends up costing more. Here are ways you can help control your health spending.
Use in-network providers.
They’ve agreed to charge only up to negotiated rates and bill your insurance company directly, which saves you money and time. Also, check with your medical plan carrier to ensure that the services you and your dependents require are covered before you receive care.
Keep up with preventive care.
It’s covered in full by all of our medical plans and can help detect and prevent potentially costly health issues early. You pay nothing for annual physicals, recommended immunizations, routine cancer screenings and more when you see in-network providers.
Use pre-tax money to pay for eligible health expenses.
Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is easy and saves you money on expenses you’d have to pay anyway.
Shop smart for prescriptions.
Using generic alternatives will almost always save you money — and they’re just as effective as brand name prescriptions. It’s also a good idea to call a few local pharmacies to compare prices before deciding where to fill a prescription. Remember, after you’ve filled the same 30-day prescription at a retail pharmacy three times, your ongoing maintenance prescriptions must be filled using the mail-order service or get your 90-day supply through CVS or Walgreens.
Take advantage of the Transamerica wellness program
Our wellness program offers valuable resources to help you improve your health, which could prevent the need for costly care. Plus, if you are enrolled in one of the high deductible health plans and have an HSA with Transamerica, you'll earn Reward Dollars when you participate in the wellness program!
Compare costs.
Use the cost comparison tools available on your medical plan carrier website.
Choose the right place to get care.
Should you go to a doctor’s office, urgent care facility or emergency room? Going to the most appropriate place for your needs will save you time and money.
| Virtual Visits | Doctor's Office | Urgent Care Clinic | Emergency Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use it to… Consult a doctor on minor health issues without having to visit a doctor's office. |
Use it to… A condition that doesn't need immediate attention and can wait until the next day. |
Use it to… A condition that needs immediate care but it is not life- or limb-threatening. |
Use it to… A life-threatening or potentially crippling condition that needs immediate care. |
Examples:
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Examples:
| Examples:
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Examples:
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| Average price: $ Varies by provider |
Average price: $$ $0 (preventive)
$139 (non preventive)
| Average price: $$$ $182
| Average price: $$$$ $642 (minor): $2,419 (moderate); $5,176 (severe) |