If you're one of the many people out there who rely on insurance to pay for your medical needs, then you probably already know what a headache it can be to navigate through all the different types of coverage. One such question that often comes up is whether or not Mirena is covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of this issue so that you can finally get some clarity (and maybe even a chuckle or two)!
What is Mirena?
Before we dive into coverage details, let's first take a look at what Mirena actually is. Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) that's used as a form of birth control. It's made up of soft plastic and releases levonorgestrel - a hormone that helps prevent pregnancy.
One thing to note about Mirena is that it doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). That means if you're using it as your sole method of contraception, you'll want to make sure you're also using condoms during sexual activity.
How does insurance work?
Okay, okay - we said we weren't going to explain things too much in this article... But hear us out! Understanding how insurance works will help clear up why determining whether or not something like Mirena is covered by BCBS isn't always cut-and-dry.
Insurance companies offer different plans with varying levels of coverage. Some may cover certain medications while others don't; some might have higher deductibles than others; etc., etc.
The tricky part comes in when trying determine exactly what your plan covers since there are so many variables involved - from which plan option your employment offers to where in the country/region/state/city/town/metro/outskirt/manor(kidding!) you live!
For example, someone living in North Dakota might have different coverage options than someone living in South Dakota. One person's employer-sponsored plan may include Mirena under their list of covered medications while another's might not. You get the picture.
Does BCBS cover Mirena?
The good news is that yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield does typically cover Mirena as a form of birth control for individuals who have BCBS health insurance plans that provide prescription drug benefits (which most do). Hurray!
However, as we mentioned before, things aren't always so simple. There are many factors to consider when determining whether or not your particular plan covers Mirena - including where you live and what kind of BCBS plan you're enrolled in.
Some important considerations:
- Your deductible: Are ya willing to pay up front? Many health insurances make patients commit to paying the first few hundred dollars towards medical expenses until coverage kicks in if they chose from high-deductible plans
- Co-payments/Co-insurance: TBC
- In-network vs Out-of-network providers: It's worth noting that even if your insurance company offers coverage for something like Mirena, it only applies at "in-network" medical facilities/providers. Going out-of-pocket will cost more
So be sure to read through all documents thoroughly and check with your insurer directly before making any assumptions about coverage! Don't assume anything, don't let the robots fool_you_!
How much does Mirena usually cost?
Another thing worth discussing is how much people can expect to pay for Mirena without insurance coverage.
According to Planned Parenthood, one IUD normally ranges from $500-$1,300 depending on where/how it's inserted (yikes). This price tag varies widely without including other costs like appointment fees and testing charges associated with different health care services.
Again, it's always best to check with your insurer before assuming the worst-case scenario!
What if I need help paying for Mirena?
If you're struggling to afford the cost of Mirena (with or without insurance coverage) please know that there are many resources available to try and help! Planned Parenthood offers a sliding-scale service which is designed especially for people who earn little income or none at all. Additionally, Liletta, another FDA-approved IUD that works similarly but only lasts for four years and falls under both Medicaid and commercial insurances such as BCBSN/D/C might also be a useful alternative if it is more cost-effective in your particular case/region/settings
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it - a rundown of what you should keep in mind when trying to determine whether or not Mirena is covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
While having insurance certainly doesn't solve all financial problems associated with medical costs (yeah...), knowing what's covered can definitely make planning & budgeting easier (if at least few pennies saved from abstaining meat every once in awhile still counts). But remember not to just take everything on face value; ask questions whenever necessary so nothing goes awry when bills do arrive _