Resources To Help You Save Money on Health Care

Avoid Freestanding ERs

Freestanding ERs may seem like a good thing because it gives you an option for care. But what you don’t know about them is that they could hurt you – and your wallet. Review this important email that was sent out June 22, 2021 - Freestanding ERs: One Visit Could Cost You Big Time.

Top 3 reasons to beware of freestanding ERs:

1. High costs – $3,000 is the average cost of a non-emergency freestanding ER visit in Texas. Many freestanding ERs are out of network and have misleading prices. You may end up with a surprisingly high bill for unnecessary care.
2. Lack of quality care – 90% of freestanding ER patients could’ve gotten treatment for much less elsewhere. Since freestanding ERs are not attached to hospitals, they may not be able to provide the care you need.
3. Delayed care – Only 2.3% of freestanding ER visits require emergency care. If you need actual emergency care or hospital admission, transferring to a hospital will cost you precious time and money.

For more information, review Freestanding ERs: One Visit Could Cost You Big Time. You also have access to the 24/7 Nurseline at 1-833-968-1770 to answer health-related questions and help you decide whether to go to the ER or find another option for care.

Cost Estimator Tools

Budgeting is more straightforward with TRS-ActiveCare coverage. You can use the Cost Estimator Tool in Provider Finder^® to estimate your out-of-pocket costs for more than 1,600 procedures, treatments, and tests before heading to the doctor. That way, you know what to expect before your appointment. 

CVS’s Cost Estimator Tool allows you to see if your prescriptions are covered and what they’ll cost before you go to the pharmacy. There are many other ways to save on prescriptions. Learn more here.

Member Rewards

TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ plan participants: You can use Member Rewards to shop for medical care, compare costs and earn credit toward future medical expenses. Rewards range from $25 to $500.

Learn more about Member Rewards or call a Personal Health Guide (PHG) at 1-866-355-5999, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Personal Health Guides

Speaking of PHGs, these advocates are available 24/7 at no added cost to you. Connect with one to help you save money, navigate your health plan, and maximize your benefits.

A PHG can assist you around the clock with:

• Claims and benefits questions
• Cost estimates
• Finding in-network providers
• Medical and prescription drug benefits
• Prior authorizations
• Scheduling appointments
• Transitioning care
• And more

Call a PHG 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine allows you to get care over the phone or online without having to leave work, home, or school. Telemedicine is a key feature of TRS-ActiveCare plans. You can access this care in two ways:

1. Make an appointment with Teladoc^® or RediMD^™

All TRS-ActiveCare health plans include TRS Virtual Health powered by Teladoc and RediMD, so you can see a board-certified doctor or therapist when you need it, from wherever you are. 

• Get around-the-clock care for minor medical conditions like colds and headaches, flu symptoms, infections, minor burns, and allergic reactions. 
• With Teladoc, you can also get help for non-urgent mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
• Virtual health providers can prescribe medications and have them sent to your pharmacy of choice. 

2. Check with your regular doctor

More and more providers offer telemedicine, so reach out to your doctor to see if virtual appointments are available.

Get more information about telemedicine.

Fitness Program

The Well onTarget^® Fitness Program is available exclusively to you and your covered dependents (age 16 and older), whether you want to go to the gym or work out at home. 

Traditional fitness program - You’ll have access to a wide range of facilities across the country, including boutique-style classes and specialty gyms. 

Digital fitness program - The virtual fitness program from BurnAlong is a digital-only option with thousands of fitness videos and live classes you can take advantage of from home. 

To sign up for the Fitness Program:

• Log on to Blue Access for Members^SM.
• Click the My Health tab.
• Scroll down and select Fitness Program. 
• Click Enroll and follow the onscreen instructions. 
• For the digital-only option, choose Digital Content Only.

If you’re already enrolled in the Fitness Program, the BurnAlong virtual program is included free with your current membership. Just log in to your Fitness Program account and click Explore BurnAlong to create your complimentary account.  

You can also earn 2,500 Blue Points^SM for joining the Fitness Program. Plus, you’ll earn points weekly for your workouts. You can redeem your Blue Points for apparel, books, electronics, health and personal care items, music and sporting goods. 

 Get more information about the Fitness Program.