Healthcare Savings Guide

The most important factor in the increase of health care costs is how you use health care services. In order for our health plan to continue to provide high quality care in the most cost-effective way, we all must take greater responsibility for making healthier life-style choices and more informed health care decisions.

Use in-network providers and generic drugs whenever possible and pursue treatments at the appropriate level (for example, not using an emergency room when an urgent care or primary care office visit may be more appropriate). Being a conscientious health care consumer will make a positive impact on your out-of-pocket health care costs and help limit our cost increases in the future. Read the tips below for ways to decrease your out-of-pocket health care expenses.

1. Use the Aetna Network. Using doctors, hospitals, and facilities that participate in the Aetna Managed Choice POS II network can save you a lot of money. “In-Network” services apply to all health care services, including doctors and hospitals, as well as outpatient testing, treatment, and surgery centers that are participating in the Aetna network. To verify that a doctor or facility is in the network, visit www.Aetna.com or call the number on the back of your Aetna ID card.
2. Read Your Medical Bills. As a responsible health care consumer, it is important to review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and statements from health care providers for accuracy. Though rarely a pleasurable task, reviewing your bills can provide an understanding of your health care purchases and give you the opportunity to identify any errors.
3. Use Urgent Care When Appropriate. Emergency Rooms (ERs) provide immediate specialized care to people with serious, often life-threatening issues. Treatment for non-emergency conditions in an ER costs hundreds of dollars more than treatment at an urgent care center or your doctor’s office.
4. Radiology Services (MRI or CT Scan). If you need to have an MRI or CT scan, you can save hundreds of dollars by considering an independent radiology center instead of a hospital. Aetna contracts with all types of facilities, including hospitals and outpatient radiology centers. However, costs can vary greatly depending on where you have your scan performed. For help locating the most appropriate facility to have your MRI or CT scan, you can use the Cost Comparison tools on www.Aetna.com, or call the number on the back of your Aetna ID card.
5. An Ounce of Prevention. Doctor’s visits are for healthy people too. It is important to think about preventive health – identifying potential problems before they start. Timely immunizations can help prevent serious diseases for children and adults. Regular screenings for high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions can detect a problem before it becomes worse. Remember that preventive care visits are paid in full by our firm.