Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota says it is eliminating co-pays for members who use retail clinics.
The health plan estimates that employers and members saved more than $1.25 million in healthcare costs in 2007 by using retail clinics.
Blue Cross officials hope this move will encourage members to use retail clinics for the treatment of simple medical conditions, such as sore throats, ear infections and seasonal allergies, as well as routine vaccinations.
"Our members have made it clear that they appreciate the option of retail clinics. Blue Cross members in Minnesota made more than 40,000 visits to retail clinics in 2007, a nearly 100-percent increase over the previous year, and we expect this rapid growth to continue," said Shawn Patterson, vice president of marketing. "We created this new option because it helps hold heathcare costs down and is responsive to consumers' wide acceptance of retail clinics."
Blue Cross officials say the average cost of a retail clinic visit for typical services costs approximately half that of a visit to a traditional medical clinic: $47 at a retail clinic vs. $97 at a traditional clinic.
"By eliminating co-pays for retail clinic visits, Blue Cross is making it easier for members to use cost-effective care," Patterson said. "We recognize that the way healthcare has traditionally been delivered needs to change - to be more responsive and effective. We're working to develop benefit plans that encourage and support innovative care models, such as retail clinics."
The option is available on most fully insured small and large group plans.
Blue Cross members can find out if their plan includes this benefit option by checking their contract or talking to their employer.
Do you agree that this rapid growth of retail clinics will continue?
E-mail Associate Editor Molly Merrill at molly.merrill@medtechpublishing.com.