Keeping up with your health isn’t just good for your body—it’s smart for your budget. You can think of preventive care like routine maintenance for your car. You wouldn’t skip oil changes and wait for the engine to fail, right? The same logic applies to your health.

Preventive care can help you catch medical problems early, giving you a better chance to prevent or treat conditions. Plus, it’s a way to protect yourself from expensive medical bills, missed workdays, and long-term health complications. If you’re a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island member, many preventive services are covered at no cost. 

What counts as preventive care?

These are examples of preventive services that may be covered at $0 when done by an in-network provider¹. Many can be done with your primary care provider (PCP):

• Annual wellness visits, where you can have your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and other aspects of your physical condition evaluated
• Alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy drug use screenings
• Colorectal cancer screening for everyone ages 45-75
• Breast cancer mammography screening for women ages 40-74
• Bone density screening for women ages 65 and older
• Diabetes (type 2) screening
• Immunizations
• Obesity screening

These aren’t just check-the-box appointments—they’re your first line of defense against costly health problems. Your PCP might recommend other screenings based on your age and medical history.  

Preparation will make your appointments more effective

When your provider asks about your habits, be prepared to tell the truth. They aren’t there to scold or judge you—they’re there to help you. Be honest when answering questions about mental health, substance use, smoking, and exercise. Your responses will give your provider a better understanding of your risk factors and help them assess you properly.  

Also, discuss your family's health history with your provider. Knowing close family members’ major medical conditions, causes of death, age at disease diagnosis, age at death, and ethnic background can help your PCP better understand the factors influencing your health. This may require asking your relatives questions before your appointment—especially if you’re preparing to meet with a provider for the first time.

Why prevention is better for your well-being and your wallet  

• Early detection can mean lower costs and simpler treatment: Catching issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer early means treatment may be faster, less expensive, and potentially less taxing on your body.²  
• Avoiding ER visits: Regular checkups and screenings typically cost less than emergency room visits, and they can help you manage conditions before they become emergencies.
• Fewer missed workdays: Staying healthy means fewer sick days and more productivity—whether you're working or enjoying retirement.

Lifestyle changes can help, too

Checkups show where you are today. Healthy lifestyle changes help you work toward a better tomorrow. Think about your current diet, exercise, and self-care habits. If you need help making a change, BCBSRI is here to help:

• Try a new workout: We offer fun, free fitness classes for members at Your Blue Store^SM—ranging from calming yoga to upbeat Zumba, and everything in between. Or, if you prefer to exercise at home, you can find thousands of free videos to follow along with on YouTube.
• Get member-only discounts for nutrition and fitness: Blue365 ³ offers BCBSRI members exclusive deals on a wide variety of products and services. Find deals on meal kits, fitness equipment, and much more.  
• Stay in the know: On our Facebook page, we post healthy living tips and resources. By following us, you’ll get timely reminders to practice healthy habits. Plus, you’ll also be among the first to know about upcoming events or workshops happening at Your Blue Store.
• Practice self-care: While making time for ourselves can feel like a luxury, it's incredibly important for our well-being. Take 5 for You offers ideas for small steps that can help improve your mental, physical, and financial health.
• Find dietitian-approved recipes: Save time and stop scrolling through lengthy recipe blogs or searching through cookbooks to find your next meal. Our recommended recipes have been reviewed and approved by a BCBSRI licensed dietitian.⁴ Whether you’re looking for breakfast, dinner, or a side dish, check out our recipe library.
• Focus on simple, healthy meals: If you're living with a chronic health condition and would like help with an eating plan, take advantage of our Care Management program at no additional cost through your BCBSRI health plan.⁵ Contact us at 1-855-932-5631 or care@bcbsri.org.

Preventive care is like doing a favor for your future self. It helps you catch issues early and can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Plus, taking care of yourself now could mean fewer worries down the road and more peace of mind. It’s a simple way to put your health first and make life a little easier.