Wellmark debuts tool to help members plan for health care costs Members can see health care cost estimates and doctor’s quality scores before receiving care

DES MOINES, IA —  Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield members now have a tool to help them make more informed health care decisions and plan in advance for their health care costs. The myWellmark® Care Finder is currently available on myWellmark.com, a secure and confidential online portal for Wellmark members.

Using the myWellmark Care Finder, members can:

• Estimate the cost of care. The myWellmark tool pulls real-time information about the member’s health insurance plan — benefits as well as co-pay and deductible dollars already accrued — to determine out-of-pocket costs based on a specific health procedure. The tool includes information on more than 260 of the most commonly search procedures. A few examples include: knee replacement, bariatric surgery, vaginal or C-section delivery, colonoscopy, and sleep study.
• Compare the quality of care. Performance-based quality scores and personal testimonials written by other members are available to help to members compare and make informed decisions when choosing a provider, hospital/facility or specialist.  
• Locate a doctor. Members can also find a list of in-network doctors or facilities by ZIP code, and have access to scheduling an appointment right at their fingertips.

“With any major purchase consumers are taking the time to shop and compare their options – we believe our members should have that same ability to shop and compare when it comes to their health care,” said Mike Fay, Wellmark vice president of health networks. “As health care costs continue to rise, this tool is step toward helping our members understand how their health insurance benefits work and helping our members see their estimated costs upfront, so they can make more informed decisions.”

For more information about the myWellmark Care Finder, visit mywellmark.com.