Navigating an unexpected procedure with the Surest health plan’s cost transparency
Surest helps couple navigate care
Life changed quickly for DeeDee Crow when her husband Tim was unexpectedly diagnosed with a mass in his bladder. It was the kind of news that sent her into a whirlwind of scheduling medical appointments, seeking second opinions and making difficult health care decisions.
Tim needed multiple surgeries, which meant new doctors, researching in-network facilities and planning for procedures. DeeDee said what could’ve been a daunting task was made easier through her Surest health plan.
Using the Surest app or website, members can check and compare prices and provider options in advance of seeking care.
“I really like the app,” DeeDee said. “I search the procedures that our doctors are recommending. We’re relying a lot on recommendations.”
This upfront pricing also helps people shop for and access care that is right for them while avoiding the surprise cost of a medical bill that, with a traditional health plan, might show up weeks or months after a service or procedure.
“The procedures have to be done and knowing what you have to pay ahead of time is a relief,” DeeDee said. “It relieved a ton of stress to not have to worry about that.”
In addition, Surest Care Ratings help members understand the link between copays and a provider’s historical effectiveness and cost efficiency data.
“In the app, just going in and seeing they have a good rating and that they are in network, you know, it makes a difference,” she said.
The Surest app helps simplify the experience for members like DeeDee, allowing them to check coverage details, procedure costs, and provider ratings — in a way that was easy to understand and less of a guessing game.
“In the past, insurance was just kind of like that mythical creature that you had but you didn’t really know what it was going to cost you,” she said. “You knew what your premiums were, after that you just waited for the bills to come in and dealt with them after the fact.”
With Surest, DeeDee could see upfront what they’d have to pay, eliminating any fear of unexpected medical bills.
Surest allowed her and Tim to make informed health care decisions during a critical time in their lives, which is something she’s grateful for.
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