BCBSTX will continue to be the medical and prescription carrier this year. Three medical plans will be offered: two High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and a PPO Plan.

The PPO option offers the freedom to see any provider, when you need care. When you use providers from within the PPO network, you receive benefits at the discounted network cost. Most expenses, such as office visits, emergency room and prescription drugs are covered by a copay. Other expenses are subject to a deductible and coinsurance.

The HDHP plans are similar to the PPO Plan in that you have the option to choose any provider when you need care. However, in exchange for a lower per-paycheck cost, you must satisfy a higher deductible that applies to almost all health care expenses, including those prescription drugs. All expenses are your responsibility until the deductible is reached, with the exception of preventative care, which is covered at 100% when you visit a physician in the network. Once the deductible is met, you are responsible for coinsurance for medical expenses and a copay for prescription drug expenses.

If you are already enrolled in one of the Choice Health BCBS medical plans today and have not already done so, please be sure to register through the BCBS member portal where you can access important information pertaining to your medical plans with BCBS including participating providers, cost estimates for services, explanation of benefit/claims, and your accumulation amounts for deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. If you are not currently covered, you will be able to register in the BCBS portal as of your effective date of coverage.

You may view participating providers at the link below or consult with your existing providers.

Helpful Rx Cost Saving Tools & Tips!

MAIL ORDER - Many drugs are available in a 90-day supply, rather than the 30-day retail supply. Typically, mail order drugs are subject to two-times the standard 30-day copays, resulting in lower expenses for you.

GOOD Rx - There are many tools online that you can use in order to save on prescription costs. One being www.goodrx.com, an online Rx database that allows you to find what pharmacy is the cheapest for your specific prescription. Additionally, you may be able to find a coupon that will greatly reduce your cost. It is important to remember that many of the coupons can only be used outside your plan (insurance will not be applied and costs with the coupon will not count towards your deductible and/or out-of-pocket maximums.)

ASK YOUR DOCTOR - Make sure to ask if there are cost savings alternatives to the prescription they are providing. Many times, there are generic or different manufacturers that will save you money at the pharmacy.