How to Save Money: Use In-Network Doctors

A common (and costly) mistake people make is using doctors or other healthcare providers who are not in their insurance company's network.

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 members at a discounted rate. As a health plan member, all you pay is your out-of-pocket costs (which may include a copay, coinsurance or deductible, 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 arkansasbluecross.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-network healthcare provider in a location convenient to you. Let us help you stay in network!