3 Important Ways You Can Save Money on Health Care

Health care can be expensive, but as part of your RRD Medical Program option through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), you have resources to help you get the best care at the best price. To ensure you take advantage, BCBSIL requires you to do the following:

1. Prior to receiving an MRI or CT scan, contact a health advocate at 1-800-537-9765 or log in to Blue Access for Members^SM to compare costs so you can make an informed decision. If you skip this step, you’ll pay a $200 penalty.

2. Use a Blue Distinction® Specialty Care facility for five surgical specialties: bariatric, cardiac, knee and hip replacement, spine and transplant surgeries. Blue Distinction facilities are recognized for delivering higher-quality care. If you choose not to use a Blue Distinction facility, you will pay higher coinsurance: 60% for the HSA Advantage and Copay Advantage medical options; 55% for HSA Value and Copay Value. 

3. Receive prior authorization from BCBSIL for radiation therapy (proton treatment, radiation treatment, etc.).

For more details about these requirements and the additional costs you’ll avoid by following them, contact a BCBSIL health advocate at 1-800-537-9765.