It may seem premature, or simply wishful thinking, to begin planning out your 2021 given the ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic.

But having a plan is a powerful way to take control of your health — and your health insurance. Whether you’re new to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) or a longtime member, here are five ways you can get the most out of your Horizon BCBSNJ health plan. Because it’s never too early to be prepared for better days ahead.

Stay Connected

The pandemic has made it clear that managing your health should be as simple as possible. And it is with the Horizon Blue app. From the palm of your hand and the safety of your home, you’re connected 24/7 to your health insurance plan.

You can find an in-network doctor, specialist, hospital, lab or urgent care center as well as the medical, hospital, dental, lab or vision services your plan covers. You can also access your ID cards, check claims and explanations of benefits (EOB) and consult a doctor through telemedicine services. To download the app, simply text “GetApp” to 422-272 or search for “HorizonBlue” in the Apple or Google* app stores.**

Pick a Primary Care Doctor

Everyone could use a healthcare champion, and that role can be filled by a primary care provider, or PCP. You can see a PCP for annual wellness check-ups, care for everyday illnesses, or help with managing chronic conditions. In some health plans, such as the Horizon HMO plans, a PCP must refer you to see a specialist. If you’re looking for a PCP for the first time or want to make a change, use our Doctor & Hospital Finder tool to locate one in your community.

And once you have a PCP, make sure to consider scheduling your annual preventive exams.

Understand Your Coverage

Your Horizon BCBSNJ health plan may offer some unexpected benefits, especially now. COVID-19 testing and treatment are covered at no cost to members. Plus, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine without any out-of-pocket costs. Knowing which medical services are covered by your health plan can help ensure you receive the best care while avoiding added costs or unnecessary stress.

Find Affordable Ways to Stay Healthy and Safe

Saving money is an idea that everyone can rally around. With our Blue365^® discount program (registered mark of BCBSA), members receive deals on cookbooks, fitness clothing, child safety products, eye glasses and much more. New discounts are offered every week.

For the moms-to-be among our members, life can be extra stressful these days. To help ease the anxiety, we offer Precious Additions®, (registered mark of Horizon BCBSNJ) a maternity program dedicated to helping parents learn how they can care for their babies and themselves throughout pregnancy.

Members can also rest assured that they’re protected from today’s rising number of scams with a comprehensive identity protection service. With Experian IdentityWorks*** and Experian Identity Restoration, you can enroll in an additional layer of protection that monitors for new credit accounts opened in your name and offers help from trained professionals should a problem occur and your identity needs repair.

Take Charge of Your Health

Keeping track of all of your health information is critical to making the right health care decisions for you and your family. Here’s how we can help:

• My Health Manager, powered by WebMD®, gives you access to your personal health record, automatically updated with diagnoses, medicines and lab results from health care professionals. Plus, you can self-report additional information to create a comprehensive record.
• You can also take an online Health Assessment, which identifies your health risks, generates a personal health score and offers recommendations to help you reach your health goals. This easy, interactive tool can match you with the right Horizon BCBSNJ resources for your health; needs, including stress, nutrition, weight management and emotional health tools.

Know that whatever comes your way in 2021, we’re with you. Make sure to confirm that your specific plan makes you eligible to take advantage of any of these programs. For more details and to learn about additional offerings, log in to the Members section of our online portal.

* Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

** There is no charge to download the Horizon Blue app but rates from your wireless provider may apply.

*** Experian provides identity protection services to Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey. Experian is independent from and not affiliated with Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey or the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

**** WebMD® is a registered trademark of WebMD, LLC. WebMD, LLC is independent from and not affiliated with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey or the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.