Do you have a Horizon Blue Cross/ Blue Shield NJ ID card?

    If you have a Horizon Blue Cross New Jersey ID card, you are entitled to discounts and some benefits that are not spelled out in your policy.

    Did you know that you can get a discount on eyeglasses, laser vision correction services, accessories and exams through Blue Shield “Smart Eyes’ discount program? You can call 1(800) 424-1155 for the nearest location or visit their website www.colemanagedvision.com. If you visit the website use 46492 for the plan number. Please note that this is merely a discount that you receive because you have a New Jersey Blue Shield ID card. It is not part of your actual insurance contract. This discount is available at all participating Cole Vision locations.

    There is also a discount available through the Vision Care Advantage Program. It is simply a discount program; existing health plan vision benefits will still apply. To get the Vision Care Advantage discount, you must present your card at a participating Davis Vision provider. Their website is www.davisvision.com .

    More and more people are becoming interested in alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, yoga instruction and vitamins. You can get a discount on these programs if you use certain providers. You can call 1877 940-0944 or visit the website www.alignis.com to locate an alternative therapy provider in your area. You may get a discount of 20 percent off the usual charge and a discount of up to 10 percent for any products the alternative therapy provider may distribute.

    Vitamins.com offers vitamins, supplements, minerals, natural cosmetics, books and health-related publications at 15 to 50 percent off national retail store prices. You receive an additional 10 percent discount on all products offered by Vitamins.com.

    If you visit their website at www.vitamins.com and order a product, you will receive an additional 10 percent discount if you use the code “horizon”. Or you may order by telephone by calling 1-800 741-8273. Make sure you mention that you are a Horizon Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of New Jersey member to receive the additional discount.

    Physical fitness is essential to good health. There are a number of discounts available at health clubs. To find out more, visit the website www.nationalfitnessnetwork.com or you can call 1-800 811-5454. Evidently membership fees and monthly fees are discounted substantially when you show your Horizon BC/BS NJ card.

    As a final reminder, your insurance ID card should always be in your wallet or in your possession at all times. If you are walking or biking or vacationing or in the car, at work, in an airplane, wherever you may be, make sure your insurance ID card is with you at all times. And for those of you with an insurance card from Horizon Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of New Jersey you have just learned about a few additional added benefits that are available to you at no additional cost.

Irene Card & Betsy Card share the responsibilities of running Medical Insurance Claims, Inc. a health insurance services company . If you have questions relative to this column or other related topics, we invite you to call (973) 492-2828, or visit our contact page.