What does it mean to be a “smart shopper?”

For most major purchases, a smart approach means doing your research and seeking out useful information before making a buying decision.

Unfortunately, the traditional health care system can cause confusion for even the savviest of shoppers. Different types of deductibles, co-insurance and out-of-pocket maximums can make it hard to figure out what you actually owe before the bills start to arrive in the mail.

Enter Coupe.

Like the sporty style of car that inspired its name, Coupe is a streamlined version of health insurance that was built to deliver both high performance, clear information and – dare we say – an enjoyable experience.

No “surprise” bills. Ever.

Earlier this year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota introduced Coupe to large businesses who are looking to offer their employees an affordable health insurance option that’s easy to understand and even easier to use.

Most notably, Coupe uses a “no surprise” flexible co-pay structure that shows exactly the amount you will owe before ever stepping foot in a clinic or hospital. Not an estimate, not a limited time offer with strings attached. The displayed price is always the “real” price.

A platform built for mobile devices

Coupe lives on your smartphone like any other app. Enrolled members simply search for a service, select a nearby provider and schedule an appointment. While Coupe immediately tells you what your cost will be, you actually don’t owe anything at the time of service. Instead, a monthly statement will consolidate all of your owed co-pays, using the dollar amounts displayed at the time you made your selections.

“At its essence, Coupe is a comparison-shopping app, with user ratings based on real experiences,” says Venessa Moen, director of business development at Blue Cross. “I think the design of Coupe has more in common with online sites like Trip Advisor and Amazon than it does with the paperwork structure of a typical health insurance policy.”

Employers have told Moen they are excited about the potential Coupe has to help manage their medical plan expenses without having to pass additional costs onto their employees.

“The transparency and certainty of prices on Coupe really drives smart shopping behavior,” Moen adds. “Being able to find the best care at the best price is very satisfying for Coupe members.”

Coupe is available for select employers to offer in the 2022 plan year.

If you have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota coverage through your work, ask your employer about whether you have the option to enroll in Coupe.