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Innova Care In Huntsville, Help Manage Healthcare Costs In Alabama — There’s help out there for managing health care costs. (Ben Johnson / The Bama Buzz)

“Why is healthcare so expensive?” It’s a question a lot of Alabamians are asking, and for good reason. Costs keep climbing, even for basic care, and it’s not always clear what’s driving these increases. So, what is going on?

We’re here—with the help of experts from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL)—to answer some of those questions and provide pointers.

What can I do to help control health care costs?

Pickleball At City Walk Bham — Get out and get active, Alabama! Plenty of outdoor activities to try all year round. (The Bama Buzz)

There are some preventive things you can do to take care of your health. Dr. Mike Catenacci, Director of Clinical Services and Corporate Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, recommends:

Make healthy lifestyle choices—eat right, exercise, get enough sleep + avoid smoking.
Follow preventive care guidelines: Get recommended vaccines + complete all age-based cancer screenings.
Establish + maintain an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider to support your overall health.
If you take medications, ask about generic options, and take all medications as prescribed.
If you have a chronic condition, see your provider to best control the condition + limit complications.

Healthier People Are Happier People - Bluecross Blueshield Of Alabama

What plays into higher health care costs?

According to Dr. Catenacci, drivers of health care price increases include:

Advancements in medical procedures and drugs that are increasingly effective, but are costly to develop
An aging population with more chronic conditions
The health care worker shortage

What impact do health insurance companies have?

Innova Care In Huntsville — Take care of yourself, Alabama! Find a primary care provider near you. (Ben Johnson / The Bama Buzz)

While it’s a misconception that insurance companies cause an increase in health care prices, they do play a role in your overall costs, and they’re here to help.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama works hard to ensure premiums are affordable for our members. In fact, federal law requires us to spend the majority of premium dollars on medical care and improving health. We return 93 cents of every premium dollar directly to our members’ health care.”
Dr. Mike Catenacci, Director of Clinical Services and Corporate Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Find a health care plan that works for you

Used For Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Alabama Healthcare, Health Insurance — Getting down to the health care basics. (Nathan Watson / The Bama Buzz)

There are a lot of details about health care that people across Alabama don’t even know (guilty!). But it’s important to ask these questions and figure out where you can start.

Finding an insurance plan that suits you helps with a lot more than just covering medical bills when you get sick. Health insurance also covers: