How to Save Money: Use In-Network Doctors

A common (and costly) mistake people make is using doctors or other healthcare providersHealthcare professionals and facilities, such as doctors and hospitals. who are not in their insurance company's networkA group of doctors, hospitals and other professionals who have been contracted to provide medical services to members..

What is a Network?

A network is a group of healthcare providers (doctors, dentists, hospitals, surgical centers etc.) that have an agreement with an insurance company to provide services to its membersA person covered by a health plan. at a discounted rate. As a health planHealth coverage issued to you directly (individual plan) or through an employer, union, or other group sponsors (employer group plan) that provides coverage for certain healthcare costs. member, all you pay is your out-of-pocket costsYour expenses for medical care that aren’t paid by insurance. Out-of-pocket costs include deductibles, coinsurance and copays plus any other costs that aren’t covered. (which may include a copay, coinsurance or deductibleThe amount you pay for healthcare services before your health insurance begins to pay. Unlike car insurance, where you pay the deductible all at once, costs are paid little by little until you meet this amount., depending on your health plan.)

If you use an out-of-network doctor who hasn’t negotiated special rates with your insurer, your costs are almost always more, for a few reasons:

• Your copay automatically is higher when you visit an out-of-network doctor
• Doctors can bill you for anything over the amount your plan allows. This is called “balance billing.” Anything you pay when you are balance billed may not count toward your deductible.

How Can I Find In-Network Doctors?

You can find in-network healthcare providers at arkansasoctave.com/findcare. Before you make an appointment, we recommend that you verify that they are still in network. You can also call the number on the back of your member ID card and our friendly customer service representatives can help you find an in-networkDoctors, hospitals and other providers that have agreed to provide services at set rates. healthcare provider in a location convenient to you. Let us help you stay in network!