When you shop, you probably keep an eye on costs. You want to buy the things you need at a fair price.  What about when you’re shopping for health care?

When you choose to use care providers in your health plan’s network, you can save money.  A network includes hospitals, doctors and other care providers who participate in your health plan. 

All of these network providers agree to work with your health plan. By doing so, they help keep your costs down. If you visit a doctor outside your network, you may pay more for your care. In some cases, you may even have to pay the full cost. 

Before you go anywhere for care, make sure the doctor or hospital is in your health plan network. By staying in network, you can take full advantage of your plan’s discounted rates and avoid surprise charges. You’ll receive the same quality health care you should expect from any provider, but at the most affordable cost to you. 

Here’s an example of how you can save money by staying in-network.

Sample illustration only, rates and benefits vary by plan.

To find providers in your plan’s network, login to your account on Blue Access for Members^SM and search using the Provider Finder^® tool. You can also call Customer Service at the number on your Member ID card.

Originally published 10/1/2018; Revised 2022