Making health care more affordable

How we help manage health care costs

Affordability is about more than your monthly premium. It’s about the total cost of care — what you pay when you see a provider, fill a prescription or need treatment.

A broad provider network

Members save on health care costs by seeing in-network providers. Our network includes thousands of providers and specialists.

Whole-person health

Wellmark brings medical, pharmacy, physical and mental health benefits together to support better health outcomes.

Preventive care focused

Preventive care helps identify potential health conditions early, so necessary treatment is easier and costs are less. Wellmark plans cover at least one preventive exam at no cost each plan year.

Avoiding fraud and waste

Mistakes and misuse — like using an expired insurance card, duplicate bills or unnecessary tests — can raise costs. Wellmark has safeguards in place to help protect members and prevent health care fraud, waste and abuse.

Lowering prescription medication costs

Prescription medications are a big part of health care spending — and that impacts what you pay. Across the U.S., pharmacy spending continues to increase, putting pressure on premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

We work hard to keep your pharmacy costs as low as possible. From contracting directly with manufacturers to secure discounts to returning any rebates to our members and employers, every action we take is designed to give you more value from your prescription medication benefits.

See your pharmacy benefits

Savings on specialty medications

We've saved members and employers millions by using lower-cost alternatives to certain specialty medications — without sacrificing quality. This approach has lowered overall pharmacy costs and premiums over time².

Independent decisions on pharmacy coverage

Our independent committee of local physicians and pharmacists reviews every medication we cover in our formulary based on safety, effectiveness and value — not rebates.

Expanding access to affordable generics

Generic medications lower your costs without compromising your health. Nearly nine out of ten prescriptions filled by our members are generic — safe, effective alternatives that typically cost about 80 percent less than brand-name medications³.