Trustmark Mutual Holding Co.

07/04/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/04/2024 22:54

Ways to Save

How to Save on Healthcare Costs

Members of major medical plans administered by us should check out this page for information on ways to keep their hard-earned dollars where they belong - in their wallet. It will be updated periodically.

In Network vs. Out of Network

This article applies to major medical plans that offer a PPO network.

Are you among the millions of Americans covered by a health benefit plan with a PPO? Do you make the most of your benefits by selecting in-network vs. out-of-network doctors and hospitals? Did you know that you can save by going in network and still choose from a wide range of healthcare providers?

A PPO plan is the most common type of plan, according to the 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey from the Kasier Family Foundation.

What does in network mean?

People who have a PPO plan gain access to a wide range of healthcare providers, such as primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals and other facilities, as well as labs and behavioral health providers, that provide services typically costing less than those provided by out-of-network providers.

In-network costs are generally lower than out-of-network costs because:
  • You do not get a network discount if you go to an out-of-network provider.
  • Your cost share is higher when you go out of network. Your plan has a separate out-of-network deductible and coinsurance, which do not apply to your in-network deductible and in-network coinsurance maximum.
  • You are not subject to balance billing when you go in-network. Out-of-network providers may charge more than what your plan will allow for a particular service and bill you for the remainder, a practice known as balance billing.
To help you avoid balance bills, make sure your providers are in network vs. out of network before you make an appointment.

Where can I find providers in my network?

Employees covered by plans administered by Star Marketing and Administration Inc. can search for in-network providers by visiting the In-Network Availability page on our website.

To learn more, read Go In-Network for Big Savings.