The Power of the Consumer

As health care costs continue to increase — with no end and no solution in sight — more people are taking matters into their own hands. They’re learning about health care costs, asking questions when they visit the doctor and getting more involved in their own health care issues and the decisions that affect their lives. In other words, they’re putting the power of the consumer to work. You can, too — by spending wisely and living healthy.

Spend wisely
Being a savvy health care consumer means knowing and comparing costs, and getting the information you need to make the best choices. It’s all about making value-based decisions so you get the most for your money. Here are just some of the ways your Aetna plan can help:

• The Cost-of-Care tools on Aetna Navigator shows the average estimated costs of medical procedures, tests, medications and other services in your area. This can give you a helpful perspective on your own doctor’s fees.
• The DocFind® directory includes quality and efficiency information on the doctors and other providers listed — facts you can use when you need to choose.
• Informed Health® Line nurses can help you understand medical conditions and make sense of the treatment options available to you.

Live healthy
Good health is essential for a good life. It’s also the consumer’s secret weapon against high health care costs. Start with the Simple Steps Health Risk Assessment. By answering a series of questions, you’ll learn about potential problems, as well as what you’re doing right. Then you’ll get personalized recommendations for online programs that move you step-by-step toward your health and wellness goals. Learn more about the Health Risk Assessment and the Simple Steps To a Healthier Life® program.

Consumerism Tips
Being a smart health care consumer is not much different from being a smart consumer of other products and services. It’s a matter of doing what you can to get the most for your money. Here are some tips:

1.  Practice prevention. Learn what you can do to take better care of yourself, and be sure to use your plan’s preventive care benefits to get the routine exams and screenings that can help catch problems early.

2. Find out what can be treated without a doctor. Call the 24-hour Informed Health® Line and talk with a nurse about your health problem before you schedule a doctor’s office visit.

3. Choose the right doctor. Use your primary care physician (PCP) for routine and basic care. Use specialists only when necessary.

4. Use generics when possible. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic version of the medication you use is available. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients and strength as brand-name drugs, and they meet the Federal Drug Administration’s safety and quality standards. But they cost significantly less — and they cut your copay by more than two-thirds.

5. Visit Aetna network physicians and facilities. In-network providers negotiate discounts with Aetna.  Because they charge less, you pay less.

6. Use mail order for maintenance medications. If you use medication on a long-term basis, you can save with Aetna Rx Home Delivery® service. For a 90-day supply, you’ll pay the equivalent of a 60-day supply purchased from a retail pharmacy. 

7. Use the emergency room for emergencies. If you don’t have a life-threatening condition you’ll wait longer and pay more when you go to a hospital emergency room. Call your PCP or visit an urgent care center near you instead. Not sure if it’s an emergency? Call the Informed Health Line at 1-800-556-1555 and talk with a trained, experienced nurse.