Helpful Hints for Employees

  • Always ask your doctor if a generic medication is available (and if it would be OK for you to take).
    • If there is no generic (or if it’s not OK), ask your doctor to not check the “Dispense As Written” (DAW) box on the electronic prescription  (perhaps you can get a lower-cost brand name under Tier 1 or Tier 2)
  • Don’t rely solely on insurance company physician network directories:  They’re often incorrect!
      • As a precaution, ask your doctor’s office whether they are a “participating provider” in your employer-sponsored health insurance plan’s network. (Never say “do you take” a particular plan as you may get the wrong answer)
  • How to handle Higher in-network deductibles:
    • Maximize benefits by checking on the cost of in-patient and out-patient procedures and Advanced Radiology (i.e., MRI, PET, and CT scans and sonograms) before making an appointment.
    • Call around to check costs for procedures (It is difficult to get this information but it could save you a lot of money.  Also, hospital-based tests are the most expensive! Try a free-standing test center) Also, check www.HealthCareBluebook.com
    • Make sure that your doctor’s office has obtained pre-authorization for any procedure requiring them (and don’t forget to ask about whether the anesthesiologist is in the network! (they often do not participate))
    • Use Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room whenever possible and use “Telehealth” is available with your plan (or consider purchasing it as a voluntary employee benefit if available through your employer)
    • Consider supplemental “medical bridge” insurance coverage to bridge deductible and out of pocket gaps in your plans

As always, be sure to contact Charles Newman Co. for helpful information on all things health insurance. We specialize in employee health benefits and can set you up with a cost-cutting plan for your small to medium sized business. We are the professionals you can turn to for all things health insurance in and around Westchester NY. Contact us or call for more information at 800-508-9235.