Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
If you're considering making changes to your benefits elections during this year's open enrollment period, here are some things to keep in mind as you consider which options are right for you and your wallet.
Choose High-Value Physicians
For the Triple Choice Plan
- In the UnitedHealthcare provider directory, look for providers with a blue dot labeled TIER 1.
- In the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona provider directory, look for providers with a star in a blue-outline TIER 1 ribbon
For the HDHP with HSA Option
- In the UnitedHealthcare provider directory, look for providers labeled with two hearts and "Premium Care."
- In the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Consider Virtual Office Visits
Consider Virtual Office Visits
Cold | Flu | Allergies | Skin Issues | Sports Injuries
See a doctor in 10 minutes, anytime, on your phone, tablet, or computer. All doctors are board-certified and able to prescribe medications.
- Triple Choice Plan: Copay is $49 until you meet your deductible and $20 thereafter
- HDHP: Copay is $49 until you meet your deductible. After that you pay 10% coinsurance.
That’s a considerable savings compared to $75 for an urgent care visit or $200 for an emergency room visit. You can use the Doctor on Demand telehealth option for either insurance carrier or download BlueCare Anywhere (Blue Cross Blue Shield) or the UnitedHealthcare app. (Participants in the Alternative Plan for Employees with Domestic Partners can also use the UnitedHealthcare app.)
Reduce Your Taxable Income
Contribute to a Healthcare FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Healthcare Savings Account) to help offset increased deductible costs.
Have money deducted pretax from your paycheck and placed in an account you can use throughout the calendar year to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. Because the money is deducted pretax, your taxable income is reduced.
What expenses qualify?
| Co-pays Medical expenses Dental/vision expenses COVID-19 personal protective equipment |
Deductibles Over-the-counter drugs Illness-related transport Menstrual products |
Learn More about a Healthcare FSA
Participate in the Health Impact Program
Qualify for up to $200 in incentives.
Earn points for qualified wellness activities, including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual activities, preventive screenings, online health assessments, classes, and support programs. When you successfully complete the requirements, the payout will be included in your paycheck in January of the year after the program year ends.
What activities qualify?
| Eating Healthy Getting Active Sleeping Well Reducing Stress |
Being Productive Building Relationships Learning New Things Managing Finances |