Unlock the value of your health insurance while saving on health care costs

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

According to KFF Health News, 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 Univera Healthcare. “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. Talk 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. Make 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. Stay 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. Explore financial support options and reassess your plan annually to ensure 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 a Univera 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.

Univera 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.