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Getting the right care at the right place can save you money and time. Call 911 (tel:911)or go to the emergency room if you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. If your life is not in danger, consider first contacting your health insurance company’s advice nurse who can review your symptoms and provide advice on the best options for care, which may include setting up a doctor’s visit or using a local urgent care provider. These options can help you avoid high fees, get care faster and ensure you get the most appropriate care for your needs. Still not sure where to go? Use the Right Care Tool (https://form.jotform.com/252444466559063)to help you decide.

The amount you pay for care depends on your health insurance coverage, the level of care you get and where you get care. Generally, the more care you need, the more it may cost. For example, visiting an emergency room will usually cost more than going to an urgent care clinic, your doctor’s office or calling an advice nurse.

Your health insurance company works with certain doctors, clinics and hospitals. These are called “in-network” providers. When you go to an in-network provider, your health insurance company usually pays more of the bill, so your cost is lower. If you go to a provider who is “out-of-network,” your health insurance company may cover less, or sometimes nothing at all. This can leave you with a much bigger bill. Before you get care, check if a provider is in-network by: • Looking on your health insurance company’s website • Calling the number on your health insurance card • Asking the doctor’s office or clinic directly

A copay is a set amount of money you pay when you get health care. For example, you might pay a copay when you visit your doctor’s office, go to an urgent care clinic or pick up a prescription. The copay is your share of the cost, and your health insurance company pays the rest. Copays are usually listed on your health insurance card. The amount can be different depending on the type of care you get.

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay for your health care each year before your health insurance company starts to pay more of the cost. For example, if your deductible is met, your health insurance company will cover more of the bill when you go to the doctor’s office, urgent care clinic or hospital. Not all care is subject to the deductible — routine or preventive care is often covered right away without you having to pay first.

Coinsurance is the share of the cost you pay for health care after you have paid your deductible. Instead of a set amount like a copay, it is usually a percentage of the bill. For example, your health insurance company might pay most of the cost, and you pay the rest. Copays, deductibles and coinsurance are all examples of cost-sharing — the part of your health care costs you pay, while your health insurance company pays the rest.

There are ways to lower your healthcare costs: • Always start by checking in with your health insurance company’s advice nurse. They can help assess your symptoms and direct you appropriately to the best care option. • Go to an urgent care clinic or your doctor’s office instead of the emergency room for non-life-threatening health issues. • Schedule routine care appointments to catch and treat health problems early.

Start by calling the billing office listed on your bill. Ask them to explain each charge in plain language. Keep notes during the call, including the name of the person you spoke with and the date.

Yes. An itemized bill shows each service and its cost. This can help you spot errors, like charges for tests you didn’t have. If you find a mistake, contact the billing office right away and ask them to correct it.

Most hospitals and clinics in Contra Costa County offer payment plans or financial assistance programs. Ask the billing office about: • Payment plans with no or low interest • Discounts for paying in full • Financial assistance based on income If you don’t have insurance or your bill is high, even after insurance, ask the billing office if they can lower your bill or remove certain charges. You can find the billing office’s phone number on your bill. For additional assistance, visit https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills (https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills)or https://medlineplus.gov/financialassistance.html.(https://medlineplus.gov/financialassistance.html)

In Contra Costa County, ambulance rides are the most expensive way to get to the emergency room. The amount you pay depends on your health insurance company, where you are taken and the services provided during the ride. If your health issue is not life-threatening and you can get to the hospital safely another way, you can save a lot of money by avoiding an ambulance.

Emergency rooms in Contra Costa County are the most expensive place to get care. The total cost can be several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the services you receive. Even with insurance, you may have to pay a copay or coinsurance that is higher than other care options.

Urgent care visits are usually much less expensive than emergency room visits. If you have health insurance, you may only pay a small copay, which is usually lower than your emergency room copay.

Doctor’s office visits are usually much more affordable than emergency room visits. If you have health insurance, your copay is usually lower than at other care options. Routine or preventive care visits may be free under many health insurance companies.

Advice nurse lines are usually free for members of most health insurance companies. • Kaiser Permanente members can call the advice nurse line at 866-454-8855.(tel:8664548855) • Contra Costa Health Plan members and county residents without insurance can call the free advice nurse line at 877-661-6230.(tel:8776616230) • People with other health insurance companies should check their company’s website for advice nurse options.

In many cases, dental care and vision care are not included in your regular health insurance. You may need to pay for a separate plan or pay out of pocket for services like teeth cleanings, fillings, eye exams or glasses. The cost can vary based on the provider, the type of service and whether you have dental or vision insurance. Before making an appointment, ask about the price and if any discounts or payment plans are available.