Cost-saving opportunities available through Teladoc and other care programs

With inflation placing financial strain on many households, Marquette employees and their families - particularly those enrolled in a Marquette medical insurance plan - are encouraged to take advantage of available cost-saving opportunities.

Teladoc provides convenient virtual care with physicians, as well as licensed therapists and psychologists, for non-emergency medical needs. Providers are often available within minutes, eliminating long waits at urgent care, delays in scheduling with a primary care provider or extended timelines to see a specialist such as a dermatologist.

Those covered under the Marquette medical plan pay just $10 per visit, which is typically less expensive than an urgent care visit and significantly less than a trip to an emergency room. Common conditions treated through Teladoc include urinary tract infections, mild cold and flu symptoms, mild vomiting or diarrhea, mild fever or headaches, pink eye, rashes, sinus or ear infections, and sore throat.

Those covered by a Marquette medical insurance plan can access Teladoc by calling 1-800-835-2362, downloading the Teladoc Health app, or going online to teladoc.com and clicking "Get Care Now." When registering, do not select the option indicating "I received a Teladoc Health code." Instead, choose United Healthcare as the insurance provider and enter the member ID number when prompted. More information can be found on the Medical Insurance page.

Another benefit available to those enrolled in a Marquette medical plan is the 2nd.MD program, which can support both financial and physical wellness. The program provides access to a specialist for a second opinion at no additional cost. It can be especially helpful when navigating a serious diagnosis, determining whether surgery is necessary, or reviewing medications and treatment plans. Further information on this is located on the 2nd.MD page.

Other financially beneficial care opportunities include:

• Tria Health - allows those enrolled in a Marquette medical plan who are managing a chronic condition to consult with a pharmacist to help optimize medications, which may reduce medication costs and overall health care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program - available to all employees and members of their immediate household, EAP provides up to six free sessions with a master's level counselor to address a variety of issues, including emotional, relationship, work, family or substance abuse concerns.
• Health coaching - employees and their spouses have access to free and confidential health and wellness coaching on a variety of specific areas of focus, including weight management, physical activity, nutrition, prenatal wellness, stress management and more. Not only is the coaching free, but it may lower long-term healthcare expenses due to improved condition management.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) - opportunity for those enrolled in the high deductible health plan (HDHP) to set aside money for healthcare expenses on a tax-free basis and in a manner where the money is rolled over from year-to-year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - a similar savings mechanism to the HSA for those on the PPO plan, which cannot have the balance carry over to the following year, but can provide for tax-free savings for eligible medical and dependent care expenses, depending on plan selection.

The Choice of Care Flyer provides a comparison of some of the costs associated with utilizing Teladoc compared to other types of care.

A summary of the benefits outlined above can be found in the Total Rewards Guide, with more extensive information available on the Benefits and Wellness website.