Choosing your medical plan. This one decision has a big effect on how much you spend on health care costs. While both the Traditional PPO and HDHP offer you the flexibility in choosing service providers remember to consider all your costs, like the premium, deductible, coinsurance, and copay amounts. Compare the premium amounts, understand the difference in deductible's, stay in-network, and consider the out-of-pocket costs for each plan. When you choose a plan, familiarize yourself with how it works, what it covers, and any other detail that matters most to you.

If you keep yourself healthy, you can avoid major medical bills. We comply with the ACA requirements of providing free preventive care, as long as you stay in your plan’s network. So you can get your annual physical exam and vaccines at no cost to you, even if you haven’t met the deductible!

Stay In-Network. Where you go for care can determine how much you pay. Through our Wellmark coverage you will have access to tools that will help you look up costs, but using in-network providers is generally more cost-effective. Visit myWellmark.com to start becoming a better health consumer. Also, if you have a Flexible Spending Account, or are enrolled in the HDHP and contributing to an HSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health expenses. This can end up saving you a lot of money!

Save the emergency room for emergencies. If you have a serious or life-threatening condition, definitely go to the hospital or dial 911 right away. But otherwise, try your primary care physician or doctor first. If your primary care provider is not available you have the option of in-network urgent care centers or the BeWell 24/7 Nurse Line (844-84-BEWELL) through our Wellmark coverage. You’ll save money, since services are less expensive, and you’ll also avoid a long wait, because emergency rooms see the most critical patients first.

Tools and Resources. It’s really important that you’re informed about the low-cost, or even free, health care resources offered through our coverage and perks. Aside from the medical plans, we also offer a number of tools and support services to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quitline Iowa is a great resource for staff looking for support on becoming tobacco free. Our Wellmark Coverage also offers Pregnancy Support and Chronic Condition Programs to help you on your journey. MyWellmark.com will provide information on these programs.

Get in the habit of asking questions whenever you get care, whether you’re talking to a doctor or a pharmacist. You can even come prepared with questions to ask. If you don’t understand a diagnosis, procedure, or prescription, have your doctor explain it. Before any non-routine procedure, check to see if pre-notification is required for your upcoming service. And when being prescribed medications, a great question to ask is if there’s a generic version of a drug.

Search for the lowest cost prescription. Prescription drug coverage is administered by MedOne and consists of a 4 Tier Drug Benefit program. Not all pharmacies charge the same price and it pays to pharmacy shop! The MedOne member portal provides a tool called Rx PriceFinder. Be sure to utilize this tool to shop for the lowest cost pharmacy in your area.

Consider Mail Order. For those who take a maintenance medication, look into ordering a 90-day supply for the cost of a 60-day supply. Both plans allow you to order a 90-day supply through your MedOne's mail order program.

We hope these tips will help you make decisions to optimize your health and your budget. If you have any questions, please reach out to your HR Benefits team via email at hrbenefits@greenstate.org.