No one likes to pay for health care. But we need health care to help us stay healthy, manage health conditions and get care when we need it most. Health insurance protects us from the financial burden of unexpected medical costs.

There are many ways to help keep your out-of-pocket costs down. Read on to learn how you can save on doctor visits, prescription medications, fitness equipment and more. 

Stay Healthy with Preventive Care

The best way to save money on health care costs is to stay on top of your health with preventive care. We can’t always avoid illness, but we can do our part to protect our health with annual exams, health screenings and staying up to date on immunizations. It all begins with scheduling an annual visit with your primary care provider.

At the visit, you will talk with your doctor about your health history and any changes you may be noticing. You can also find out what screenings are right for you and if you’re due for any vaccines.

Visit an In-Network Provider to Save Money

Your health plan gives you access to many kinds of health care providers like doctors, therapists, clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. Before you go for care, make sure a provider is in your health plan network.

Those who have a contract in place to give to provide care for you and other members in your health plan are called network providers. They may also be called in-network providers or participating providers. Others providers who do not have a contract with your health plan are out of your network.

To search for providers in your network, log in to your secure online account and click Find Care. Then follow these tips to keep your costs down.

Save on Prescription Medicine

There are a few easy ways to save on your prescription medicines: By filling your Rx at an in-network pharmacy for your health insurance plan, by checking your plan’s drug list, and by using the Medication Finder* tool.

Preferred Pharmacy Savings
If a preferred pharmacy network is part of your benefits, you’ll save the most money when you fill your prescriptions at one. When you use a preferred pharmacy, you pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost on covered prescription drugs. Some medicines have copays as low as $0 at preferred pharmacies. Some can be filled in a 90-day supply at preferred pharmacies and by mail. Learn how to find an in-network pharmacy and start saving.

Prescription Drug List
A drug list is a list of drugs that are covered under your prescription drug benefit. How much you pay out of pocket is determined by whether your drug is on the list and at what coverage level, or tier. A generic drug is often at the lower tier. See if your drug is covered.

Some prescription drug plans may require you to pay more if you fill a prescription for a brand name drug when a generic equivalent is available. Members are encouraged to use drugs that are safe, work well and are cost effective. Learn more about pharmacy and prescription plan coverage here.

Medication Finder
You can find cost savings opportunities for prescription drugs using the Medication Finder* tool. It can help you find lower-cost options for medications covered by your health plan to treat your condition. Learn how to save money on prescriptions with Medication Finder.

Get Member Perks and Rewards

Blue365^®
Any member of a participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan is eligible for Blue365, a free health and wellness discount program offered to members. 

You and your covered family members can save with top retailers on products and services that may not be covered by insurance. There are no claims to file and no referrals or prior authorizations needed. Discounts fall into six categories: Apparel and footwear, fitness, hearing and vision, home and family, nutrition, and personal care. Learn how to create an account and save with Blue365 here.

Member Rewards**
Get rewarded for your healthy actions. By choosing a cost-effective option for your care, you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs and may earn cash with Member Rewards. It's easy. There aren't any forms to fill out. Just follow these steps when a doctor suggests a medical procedure or service:

Log in to your online account and click Find Care. Then search for providers such as doctors, facilities and hospitals. Select a reward-eligible location and have the procedure or service there. Once the claim is paid and verified as reward eligible, you’ll earn a cash reward.

*Not all plans offer the Medication Finder tool. Check your benefits to see if you have access to this resource.

**To see if you have the Member Rewards program, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Even if you don’t have Member Rewards, you can still cut your out-of-pocket costs by choosing a lower cost provider.