The Solutions to the Rising Costs of Health Insurance in Wilmington NC
Last month we took a close look at the reasons why healthcare costs are continuing to rise despite the promises of the Affordable Care Act. This month, we examine the specific ways Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is helping to control the cost of our health insurance in Wilmington NC so our members can enjoy the most comprehensive coverage for less.
Flat Fees for Complex Procedures
BCBSNC is working with several doctors, specialists, and hospitals in the Wilmington area in an effort to help reduce the cost of complex surgeries and procedures. Under this program, a pre-determined fixed fee is applied to the procedure. Should the procedure cost more than the fee; the facility will absorb the extra cost. If the cost is less than the fee, the facility is rewarded. The result is a reduction of 20% in the cost of these procedures, fewer avoidable complications, and higher patient satisfaction.
Investing in Medical Training Programs
Despite North Carolina being one of the country's most medically-advanced states, nearly 1 million residents don't live in areas with sufficient access to health care. BCBSNC is helping to change this by investing in medical training programs that will help reduce critical healthcare shortages in these areas.
Carolina Advanced Health (CAH)
Carolina Advanced Health (CAH) was formed by BCBSNC and UNC Health Care in 2011 to improve patient health and control costs by putting patients at the center of care. The health care team design of CAH resulted in their patients having 64% fewer ER visits than non-CAH BCBSNC customers.
Free Clinics
In North Carolina, more than 1 million residents are uninsured and even more than that are underinsured. As a result, routine health care is often ignored due to the costs. To help remedy this problem, the BCBSNC Foundation has teamed up with the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics (NCAFC) to provide quality primary free health care for those in need.
Treatment Cost Estimator
It's no surprise that health care facilities charge different prices for the same procedures and tests. As a consumer, having access to that information is important for keeping your out-of-pocket costs under control. That is exactly what the BCBSNC Treatment Cost Estimator is designed to do. It gives you the information you need to know so you can make the right decision for your health care needs.
Making Quality Dental Care a Priority
Poor dental hygiene is not only an active instigator in a host of other health problems, it also increases the risk of the individual needing emergency dental care and this can cost as much as 10-times that of preventative care. BCBSNC is a partner in the state's Oral Health Initiative, which is designed to help improve dental health within the state.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Health Care Costs Down
BCBSNC is making great strides at offering affordable health insurance in Wilmington NC, but there are some things you can do to help drive your costs down even further. These include:
Buy Affordable Health Insurance in Wilmington NC from BCBSNC
The above represent just a few of the ways BCBSNC is working to keep your health care costs down. We also offer enhanced wellness programs, ER alternatives, community health resources, anti-fraud protection, our HealthNav app, and more.
Let Schnitzer-Slate help you find the most affordable health insurance in Wilmington NC. We offer affordable, comprehensive BCBSNC plans with lower premiums, easy payment options, and other benefits. Just call us today at 910-392-7020 and one of our agents will help you choose the right plan for your lifestyle and budget. Or, just visit our website at http://healthplannc.com/ to learn more about our affordable health insurance plans in Wilmington NC.
Flat Fees for Complex Procedures
BCBSNC is working with several doctors, specialists, and hospitals in the Wilmington area in an effort to help reduce the cost of complex surgeries and procedures. Under this program, a pre-determined fixed fee is applied to the procedure. Should the procedure cost more than the fee; the facility will absorb the extra cost. If the cost is less than the fee, the facility is rewarded. The result is a reduction of 20% in the cost of these procedures, fewer avoidable complications, and higher patient satisfaction.
Investing in Medical Training Programs
Despite North Carolina being one of the country's most medically-advanced states, nearly 1 million residents don't live in areas with sufficient access to health care. BCBSNC is helping to change this by investing in medical training programs that will help reduce critical healthcare shortages in these areas.
Carolina Advanced Health (CAH)
Carolina Advanced Health (CAH) was formed by BCBSNC and UNC Health Care in 2011 to improve patient health and control costs by putting patients at the center of care. The health care team design of CAH resulted in their patients having 64% fewer ER visits than non-CAH BCBSNC customers.
Free Clinics
In North Carolina, more than 1 million residents are uninsured and even more than that are underinsured. As a result, routine health care is often ignored due to the costs. To help remedy this problem, the BCBSNC Foundation has teamed up with the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics (NCAFC) to provide quality primary free health care for those in need.
Treatment Cost Estimator
It's no surprise that health care facilities charge different prices for the same procedures and tests. As a consumer, having access to that information is important for keeping your out-of-pocket costs under control. That is exactly what the BCBSNC Treatment Cost Estimator is designed to do. It gives you the information you need to know so you can make the right decision for your health care needs.
Making Quality Dental Care a Priority
Poor dental hygiene is not only an active instigator in a host of other health problems, it also increases the risk of the individual needing emergency dental care and this can cost as much as 10-times that of preventative care. BCBSNC is a partner in the state's Oral Health Initiative, which is designed to help improve dental health within the state.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Health Care Costs Down
BCBSNC is making great strides at offering affordable health insurance in Wilmington NC, but there are some things you can do to help drive your costs down even further. These include:
- Living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly
- See your primary doctor before seeing a specialist
- Request generic drugs instead of more expensive name brands
- Go to an urgent care center instead of the ER
- Request an itemized bill for any healthcare services and review it for errors
- Compare the cost of procedures using BCBSNC's Treatment Cost Estimator
Buy Affordable Health Insurance in Wilmington NC from BCBSNC
The above represent just a few of the ways BCBSNC is working to keep your health care costs down. We also offer enhanced wellness programs, ER alternatives, community health resources, anti-fraud protection, our HealthNav app, and more.
Let Schnitzer-Slate help you find the most affordable health insurance in Wilmington NC. We offer affordable, comprehensive BCBSNC plans with lower premiums, easy payment options, and other benefits. Just call us today at 910-392-7020 and one of our agents will help you choose the right plan for your lifestyle and budget. Or, just visit our website at http://healthplannc.com/ to learn more about our affordable health insurance plans in Wilmington NC.