Costs for medical tests and services can vary dramatically from one provider to the next—even for routine care like an annual mammogram or colonoscopy. If employees aren’t comparison-shopping like they do for other products and services, your client could end up paying more in overall healthcare costs.

SmartShopper can help.

With SmartShopper, employees can compare locations so they can get that same mammogram or colonoscopy for less—and earn up to $500 in cash rewards as a share of the savings. Many employees might not consider the costs associated with their included preventive care. Having the opportunity to earn a cash reward, however, could help to motivate employees to become more cost-conscious consumers of all their healthcare services.

SmartShopper is included with all Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSR) fully insured health plans, with the exception of HSA-qualified high deductible health plans such as BlueSolutions. The program is available to all self-funded groups as a plan enhancement—and, over time, could make a real difference in helping those clients lower their overall healthcare spend.

To use the program, BCBSRI members enter the test or procedure they wish to shop for into our Cost Calculator tool. The tool will then display a list of provider locations and estimated costs. All search results are tailored to the member’s specific plan—listed providers and facilities will be in-network and estimated costs will account for the appropriate cost-sharing. For health plans that include SmartShopper, a green icon will appear next to provider choices that may qualify for SmartShopper rewards. If the user opts for a SmartShopper-eligible location, they can schedule an appointment online or through the SmartShopper Personal Assistant Team. Once the procedure is complete (which must be within the year) and the claim is paid, they’ll receive their SmartShopper reward check in the mail.

When every healthcare dollar counts, there’s no reason to pay more without getting more. Contact your BCBSRI sales representative to learn what SmartShopper can do for your clients.

When every healthcare dollar counts, there’s no reason to pay more without getting more. Contact your BCBSRI sales representative to learn what SmartShopper can do for your clients.

SmartShopper is not available for BCBSRI’s fully insured HSA-qualified high deductible health plans, such as BlueSolutions for HSA.