5 ways to navigate health care costs and coverage with confidence

By Dr. Amy Aronsky, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania

April is Financial Literacy Month, a good time to learn how your health plan can support your financial and health goals. Understanding your coverage can be a vital part of your family's financial planning, especially since 36% of adults report skipping care due to cost in the last 12 months.

At UnitedHealthcare, we are working to make it easier to understand your benefits, compare your care options in advance and feel more confident navigating health care.

Here are five practical tips to help you be a savvier health care consumer:

1. Consider digital solutions designed to improve your experience

Some health insurers offer tools that help you find network providers more easily, compare treatment options and make more informed decisions about where to get care. AI-powered tools such as chatbots and enhanced provider search may also be available to help you navigate benefits and take the next best step in your health care journey.

Avery, UnitedHealthcare's AI chatbot, is designed to help create a simpler health care experience. Available through the UHC app and member website, eligible members can ask Avery questions about cost estimates, claims, provider search and more. Avery offers clear next steps—and if extra support is needed, she can transfer you to a customer advocate.

2. Compare costs and care options before scheduling care

Just like other major purchases, comparing costs and options ahead of time can help you make informed decisions and potentially save you money. Some health insurers offer plan and provider search tools that can help you understand your choices and expected costs before you book an appointment.

One example is UnitedHealthcare's Surest, an AI-powered health plan that has no deductibles and shows members upfront copays—so it's easier to understand what you will pay before an appointment. With Surest you can shop for care and copays are lower when you choose providers with a track record of effective, cost-efficient care.

3. Explore personalized programs and services

Check whether your health insurer offers digital tools that make it easier to find programs and services that fit your health and lifestyle needs with offerings supporting women's health, mental health, weight management, nutrition and fitness, chronic conditions and more.

UHC Store, for example, is a digital shopping experience for eligible members to purchase a variety of discounted health and wellness offerings that meet their individual needs throughout the year at an average of 26% off retail prices.

4. Establish a relationship with a primary care provider

Building an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider can help catch potential issues earlier, when treatment may be simpler and less costly. It can also support better outcomes by helping coordinate care over time.

Annual checkups, vaccines and certain screenings may be covered by your health plan at no additional cost when recommended by a network provider. That's especially important as rates of certain cancers and chronic conditions continue to rise among working-age adults.

5. Don't forget about financial protection plans

Expenses from an unexpected illness, injury or hospital stays can add up quickly. That's where supplemental plans can help. This can include options like accident insurance, critical illness insurance or hospital insurance.

Supplemental plans can provide financial peace of mind by offering fixed payments or reimbursements during covered life events. This added layer of protection may help with everyday expenses, medical bills and unexpected costs that can come with time away from work.

A few small steps can make health care easier to navigate. Take a few minutes to review your benefits and contact your health plan and employer with any questions. With the right tools and support, you can understand your coverage, plan for costs and choose care that fits your needs.