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R ent. Groceries. Utilities. A car payment. Most households know what these expenses cost each month and plan for them accordingly. Healthcare is different. Unlike a fixed monthly bill, health- care costs can vary from month to month. One month may include only a routine checkup. The next could bring a specialist visit, a new prescription, or an unexpected trip to urgent care. That uncertainty can make healthcare feel less like something you plan for and more like something that simply happens. While no one can predict every medical expense, understanding your health coverage, planning ahead when possible, and using available tools can make healthcare costs more manageable. Here are six ways to get started. 1. Look Beyond the Premium Your monthly premium is an import- ant part of healthcare spending, but it is only one piece of the picture. Your deductible, copays, coinsur- ance, and out-of-pocket maximum also play an important role in deter- mining what your household may pay throughout the year. For example, a plan with a lower monthly premium may come with a higher deductible or greater out- of-pocket costs. A plan with a higher premium may offer lower cost-shar- ing for households that expect to use healthcare services more frequently. When reviewing your options, think about how your household typically uses healthcare. Consider regular doctor visits, prescriptions, ongoing health conditions, and an- ticipated care. Looking at the full picture can help you choose coverage that fits both your healthcare needs and your budget. 2. Take Advantage of Preventive Care Preventive care is one of the best ways to stay on top of your health and identify potential concerns early. Many preventive services, including certain annual wellness visits, recommended vaccines, and routine screenings, may be covered at no additional cost when you use an in-network provider and meet your plan's coverage requirements. Review your benefits, talk with your healthcare provider about the care that is right for you, and stay current on recommended screenings and appointments. Think of preven- tive care like routine maintenance for your car. Staying on top of recom- mended care today can help support your long-term health tomorrow. 3. Stay In-Network Whenever Possible Health plans work with networks of doctors, hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare providers. De- pending on your plan, receiving care outside your network could result in higher out-of-pocket costs. When you have the opportunity to plan ahead, confirm that both the provider and facility are in-network before scheduling care. A doctor may participate in your network while the laboratory, imaging center, or facility involved in your care does not. Taking a few extra minutes to ver- ify your network can help you avoid unexpected costs and better under- stand what your health plan covers. 4. Build Healthcare Into Your Budget Not every healthcare expense comes as a surprise. Prescription refills, ongoing treatment for chronic con- ditions, annual wellness visits, and planned procedures are all examples of costs you may be able to anticipate. Including these expenses in your household budget can make them easier to manage. Understanding how your prescription drug benefits work, whether lower-cost alternatives are available, and what you can expect to pay can also help you plan ahead. During open enrollment, take the opportunity to review your health- care needs and compare available plan options to help ensure your coverage continues to meet your household's needs and budget. 5. Compare Your Options Before Scheduling Care When care is not urgent, comparing providers, locations, and estimated costs ahead of time may help you make a more informed decision. Anthem members can use the Syd- ney Health app to search for in-net- work providers, review cost estimates for certain services, and access plan information in one convenient place. Depending on your plan, members may also be able to access a digital ID card, review claims, connect with virtual care, and find other helpful resources. 6. Ask Questions Healthcare bills and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements can some- times be confusing. If you receive an unexpected bill or notice a charge you do not understand, review it and ask questions before assuming you owe the amount listed. Your health plan can be an im- portant resource, helping explain what your plan covers, how a claim was processed, and what a particular charge means. Asking questions early can help prevent confusion, resolve billing issues more quickly, and give you greater confidence in understanding your healthcare coverage. Healthcare may never be as pre- dictable as your mortgage or utility bill, but it does not have to be a fi- nancial mystery. By understanding your coverage, planning for expected healthcare needs, and taking ad- vantage of the resources available through your health plan, you can make healthcare costs more man- ageable throughout the year. At Anthem, we are committed to helping our members better un- derstand their benefits, access the care they need, and make informed decisions about both their health and their finances. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T 6 Ways to Manage Your Healthcare Costs Learn more at anthem.com/healthcareinmaine By Maria Proulx, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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