Please see below an overview of some Tips & Tricks to save money with your benefits!
Where To Go?
Avoid Shocking ER Bills
It can be overwhelming deciding where to go for medical care. It is best to establish a relationship with a primary care physician for routine care and general oversight of your care plan. Since unexpected accidents and illnesses can happen anytime, it is important for you to know what your options are in advance so you can save time and money.
Did You Know?
An emergency room visit can cost your deductible plus copay, totaling at least $1,450? Urgent care centers can treat most non-life threatening healthcare issues at a fraction of the cost. When searching for urgent care facilities in your area, be careful not to choose a free-standing emergency room, as these also are billed at emergency room rates.
EMERGENCY ROOM – $200 Copay (Tier 1) | $200 Copay (Tier 2)
Complex Chest Pain, Trauma, Heavy Bleeding
URGENT CARE CLINIC – $40 Copay (Tier 1) | $50 Copay (Tier 2)
Sprains, Strains, Sutures, Minor Broken Bones, Minor Burns
SPECIALIST – $40 Copay
Condition-specific care
PRIMARY CARE – $25 Copay
Primary Services, Chronic Conditions, Well-Visits
VILLAGE HEALTH PARTNERS – $5 Copay
VILLAGE HEALTH PEDIATRICS – $5 Copay
CATALYST PROVIDERS – $5 Copay
CVS MINUTE CLINIC – $5 Copay
TELADOC – $5 Copay
Bladder/Urinary tract infection, Bronchitis, Cold/Flu, Fever, Migraines, Pink eye, Rash, Sinus infections, Earache, Sore throat, Stomach aches
CARRUM HEALTH – $0 Copay
Hip and Knee Replacement, Orthopedic Procedures, Cancer Guidance Program
GREEN IMAGING – $0 Copay
MRI/CT Scans, Ultrasounds, X-Rays
Money Saving Tools
Be a good steward when utilizing your health plan
Did you know that the City’s medical and prescription drug plans are self-insured? Self-insured means that the City pays medical and pharmacy claims directly out of its operating budget. In 2022, Plano paid out claims and expenses of $39 million for 5,461 plan members. Premiums are evaluated each year to ensure we can cover our expenses, and every one of us plays an important role in keeping costs low. Taking steps to lower healthcare costs will benefit us as individuals as well as the City. Here are some ways to reduce healthcare costs:
Take advantage of these 9 money-saving tools:
- Choose in-network providers
- Choose generics
- Get regular check-ups
- Save the Emergency Room for emergencies
- Benefit from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Use mail order for maintenance medications
- Ask your doctor questions
- Discounted copays
- Green Imaging (one-stop imaging services at no cost to you)
- Carrum Health (bundled pricing at no cost to you)
- Healthcare Highways (additional network offering lowered deductibles and out-of-pocket costs)
- Catalyst Health Group / Village Health Partners ($5 copay)
- Teladoc – Skip the waiting room with virtual visits ($5 copay)
- CVS MinuteClinic ($5 copay)
- Airrosti ($15 copay)
- PlanoRx ($0 copay for international mail-order)
- Variable Copay Program (using manufacturer coupons to lower your cost)
- Use the cost estimator found on the WebTPA portal (compare costs)