John Auger, managing director of digital strategy, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

If you like managing your expenses on the go, there’s an app that brings that convenience to your healthcare. The BlueSolutions Spending on the Go mobile app is available on the App Store^® and Google Play^® and helps Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) members better manage the benefits of a health savings account (HSA), making it easier to save and pay for healthcare services.

With just one touch you can access your HSA account anywhere anytime. The app allows you to:

• Check your HSA account balance and all transactions
• Pay a provider or make a withdrawal to reimburse yourself for medical bills
• Snap a photo of receipts and submit a claim
• Add a contribution from your checking or saving account
• Scan a bar code to see if something is a qualified medical expense
• Use the savings calculator to make informed spending choices
• Track and guide your progress and get tips on investing your HSA.

Nearly 25% of Americans are using an HSA and the number continues to grow due to an HSA’s flexibility and attractive tax benefits. It’s like a 401(k) for medical expenses. If you change jobs, your account goes with you and any unused funds roll over from year to year. Not sure what an HSA is? Check out our quick, animated video for a simple explanation.

BlueSolutions Spending on the Go is the latest in a suite of convenient tools BCBSRI has launched to better meet customers where they are. Other mobile and on-demand solutions offered by BCBSRI include:

• Your Blue Wire RI – A secure, mobile messaging feature that provides members with access to benefit updates, tips for saving money, important health reminders (such as for flu shots) and much more – all via mobile phone.
• Your Blue Touch – A revamped mobile app for members that provides simple access to critical features, including the ability to search for healthcare providers, view plan and benefit information and claims, and contact customer service.
• Doctors Online – Telemedicine video and chat service enables members to conveniently talk to a doctor from their home, work or anywhere else – 365 days a year, 24 hours a day – by logging in to their member account on BCBSRI.com.
• Virgin Pulse wellness app – Members can track wellness progress, create challenges for friends, and take a personal health assessment. The app features the opportunity to earn benefits by completing app activities.
• My Cost Calculator healthcare cost transparency tool – Members can compare costs before a visit or procedure to find the best value for receiving care.

BlueSolutions Spending on the Go is available to members enrolled in BCBSRI’s BlueSolutions plan and is part of BCBSRI’s larger commitment to making healthcare simpler and more affordable for Rhode Islanders. For more information about HSAs, please visit www.rhodeahead.com/taxsavings. To get started, visit BCBSRI’s new mobile- and tablet-friendly website, log in and click HSA at bcbsri.com/account.