Consumerism Tools

You can reduce your family’s health care costs and help control costs for the College by using the following consumerism tools. Albion College is self-funded; the College pays claim costs, not an insurance company. The College strives to provide a competitive, comprehensive benefits package while being fiscally responsible as the costs of health care continue to rise. Partnering together, the College and employees can become more engaged consumers, making informed decisions about their health care needs.

Skipping medically necessary procedures, screenings, appointments, or prescriptions are not safe cost saving strategies.

Resources

• HealthJoy App – What is it – short video and more information -longer video.

Ways to Reduce Your Family's Health Care Costs

Get Your Annual Physical, Preventative Care, Age-Appropriate Screenings
Treatment is much less costly (and with better prognosis) when diagnosed in the early stages

Compare Costs and Quality of Care
For non-emergency care, compare procedural costs and quality ratings by facility

Telemedicine Resource:
24/7 virtual doctor’s appointment at no cost to you
Online Visits cost the College less than office visits and urgent care

Compare Costs: Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs vary by pharmacy, compare the cost of yours at:

Stay In-Network
Ensuring your procedure is in-network will lower your out-of-pocket costs

Avoid Hospital For Routine Care
Only use hospitals for emergencies and needed procedures (e.g. surgery)
Routine care charges can be 10x more expensive when done in the hospital
Alternatives: use urgent care of your primary care physician

Ensure Your Care Is Necessary
Challenge excessive or redundant procedures (e.g. diagnostic tests)

Use Generic Prescription Drugs
When available, on average generics are 4x less expensive than brand name

Mental Health Resources
Employee Assistance Program:

• Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Summit Pointe http://www.summitpointe.org. Hours for general information call the Summit Pointe general information number at 269/966-1460 or 1-800-632-5449 Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In cases of emergency, call a 24-hour Emergency Response line at 1-800-632-5449.

• Unlimited Phone Counseling and Online Articles/Resources: Those with Long-Term Disability Coverage from the College can access the EAP from The Standard – http://workhealthlife.com/Standard3 or by phone 888/293-6948

Physical Health Resources
Employees and their families have free access to the Dow Fitness Center on campus