Pharmacy Cards vs Insurance Cards: What’s the Difference?

Imagine you’re at the doctor’s office and they ask for your insurance card. You have multiple cards so which card do they want? How do I know which one to show and what do all these cards do, anyway?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the complex web of insurance jargon out there, you’re not alone. One in five Americans have trouble understanding their healthcare plans. Figuring out the complex world of prescriptions, medication pricing, and available discount options can feel intimidating, but Visory Health is here to help you be a better-informed consumer.

If you have medical insurance, there are a couple different types of cards you may be given, specifically, insurance and pharmacy cards. You may be wondering how these cards are different? When do I use each one? Great questions. We’ve got you covered!

In this blog, we’ll shed some light on how these different insurance and pharmacy cards work to help you feel confident when making decisions about your healthcare.

Insurance Cards vs Pharmacy Cards

Insurance Card:

• Also known as a medical or health insurance card, is your proof of health plan insurance.
• This may be a physical card or some other form of insurance proof.
• The insurance card provides information about your health care insurance coverage.

A health insurance card is essential for accessing healthcare services and ensuring you have coverage for medical expenses.

For example, let’s say you’re planning a road trip with your family. Your health insurance card is like the vehicle registration and insurance documents for your car. It serves as proof that you have the necessary coverage and permission to drive on the road.

What Information is on My Insurance Card:

Insurance cards may include the following information:

• Name, printed on the card
• Member Number: this number is used to identify you and tells the provider how to bill according to your specific health plan.
• Group Plan Number: this number tracks your specific healthcare plan benefits through your employer purchase. If you purchased insurance through a healthcare exchange (marketplace for the Affordable Care Act), you may not have a group number.
• Copayment: these are the dollar amounts you will owe when you obtain healthcare.
• Member Service Phone Number: you can use this number to call your insurance plan with questions or if you need additional information.
• Plan Type: your insurance card describes the type of health insurance plan, out of pocket expenses and network you have. These may include:

HMO:  Health Maintenance Organization

PPO: Preferred Provider Organization

EPO: Exclusive Provider Organization

HDHP:  High Deductible Health Plan

Contact your healthcare benefits plan to understand your specific coverage and benefits.

• Prescription Copayments: copayments are the amount of money you owe for each prescription you have filled. You may also receive a separate prescription benefits card.

What Is A Prescription Benefits Card:

• Specifically dedicated to purchasing prescription medications at your pharmacy.
• A prescription benefits card provides you with benefits and coverage related to prescription medications.
• Your prescription benefits card may offer co-payments, co-insurance, or discounts on prescription drugs, allowing you to save money when filling your prescriptions.

What Is A Prescription Medication Discount Savings Cards:

• If you don’t have medical insurance or if you have insurance but it’s cheaper to pay cash for your medication, you may use a prescription medication discount card, like the Visory Health Prescription Savings Card, that can help you save up to 80% on your prescription medications.
• Simply show your Rx discount card at participating pharmacy counters to get discounted prescription medication costs. It’s that simple. No coupons, rebates, or registration. Visory Health understands the burden of prescription medication costs, and we are here to help ensure you can afford your prescriptions.

Common Questions about Insurance and Prescription Cards:

Now that you have a basic understanding, let’s go over answers to some common questions about insurance and pharmacy cards to de-mystify their purpose.

Why Do I Have Separate Cards for My Health Insurance And My Prescription?

It might seem strange to have multiple cards but if you do, this is simple to explain:

• Health insurance cards cover a wide range of healthcare medical services beyond just prescriptions. They guarantee your medical coverage to the extent of your specific insurance.
• Pharmacy benefits cards focus exclusively on prescription medications. Separating the cards gives you the freedom to use each one where they’re needed.

When Should I Use My Insurance Card vs My Prescription Card?

• When you visit the doctor or any healthcare provider, use your insurance card.
• When it’s time to fill your prescription at the pharmacy, use the pharmacy benefits card. You’ll receive the appropriate discounts or copayments linked to your prescription coverage.

What Do RxBIN, RxGroup, and RxPCN Mean?

• These acronyms identify your prescription benefits.
• RxBIN, RxGroup, and RxPCN are identification numbers associated with your health insurance that allow pharmacies to process your prescriptions and apply the appropriate deductions.
• The “Rx” symbol means prescription.
• RxBIN or just “BIN” stands for bank identification number, and is a code that identifies the insurance company that provides your prescription drug plan.
• RxGRP or simply “GRP” is your group number (or employer identification number). GRP is like your employer’s special ID for their health insurance plan. If you have insurance through your job, you’re part of their unique package. Different employers offer different packages with their own prescription drug coverage, deductibles, and copays.
• RxPCN (PCN) is the “processor control number” that ensures your prescription medication claim is routed to your insurer.

If you can’t locate these identification codes on your pharmacy card, contact your healthcare insurance provider for assistance.

Should I Use My Insurance or a Prescription Discount Card?

• Prescription discount cards, also known as discount drug cards, prescription savings cards, or pharmacy discount cards, can be major game-changers if you have high deductibles/out-of-pocket expenses or zero insurance coverage.
• Prescription discount cards can help you access substantial discounts and savings on your medications.
• Visory Health’s Prescription Savings Discount Card makes it simple to save money on prescriptions. Visory Health is not insurance but can be used instead of your insurance to save money on your prescription medications.

Determining whether to use your insurance or a prescription discount card will depend on many factors, but the main one is whether or not you have a comprehensive insurance plan that covers your medications at an affordable rate.

If you have insurance but have high out-of-pocket costs, or if you have no prescription medication insurance, a prescription discount card may save you additional money. Use Visory Health’s Prescription Medication Price Search to compare drug costs for the greatest savings. LINK HERE

Summary of Key Points:

You now have a greater understanding of insurance, pharmacy cards and discount prescription cards such as the Visory Health Discount Prescription Savings Card.

• Insurance cards unlock coverage for a broad range of healthcare services, while pharmacy benefits cards focus specifically on prescription medications.
• Use your insurance card when visiting doctors or other healthcare providers, and your pharmacy benefits card when it’s time to fill your prescriptions.
• RxBIN, RxPCN, and RxGroup are necessary codes found on pharmacy benefits cards. Discount Prescription Medication Cards:
• If you’re facing high medication costs or lack insurance coverage, prescription discount cards or savings cards like Visory Health make your prescriptions more affordable and can save you money on your prescription costs.

Are you ready to take control of your prescription costs?

We see you and we hear you! Visory Health is here to give you the knowledge and resources to navigate the healthcare system with ease. Print or download your Visory Health Discount Prescription Savings Card and start saving on prescriptions today.

Stay Healthy, Stay Visory!

To Your Health,

Dr. Creamer

DNP, MSN, MSS, MA

 

This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational or educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.