Peace of Mind, Up Front
For much of his life, Shawn McCartee has found joy in music.
He’s been playing piano since he was young, often performing in faith communities and accompanying choirs. Singing has long been another passion. Whether he’s behind a keyboard or lending his voice to a performance, Shawn appreciates the confidence that comes from being prepared.
That same mindset shapes how he approaches his healthcare.
When Abbott introduced the Surest health plan option, Shawn was intrigued by the promise of greater transparency and the ability to understand costs before receiving care. Like many people, he had experienced the uncertainty that can come with making healthcare decisions without knowing exactly what they might cost.
“I was rethinking my care, where to go, what it would cost, and whether I’d get the right support,” Shawn says.
“With Surest, I could see my copay upfront. No guessing. No surprises.” – Shawn McCartee
As he explored the platform, Shawn found that the experience felt different from traditional healthcare navigation. Through the web-based and app-based tools, he could compare care options, identify providers, and see cost information before scheduling appointments.
“It really was helpful to see up front what my copay would be so there weren’t any surprises,” he says.
Beyond transparency, Shawn appreciated having access to virtual support. The plan’s digital tools connected him with providers who could answer questions, offer guidance, and help him determine next steps when seeking care.
For someone who values planning and informed decision-making, having both cost information and clinical guidance in one place was especially meaningful.
“It’s nice to have cost information, provider options, and support resources all in one place,” Shawn says. “It really helps you make a more informed decision upfront.”
The biggest impact, however, wasn’t necessarily financial. It was the confidence that came from knowing what to expect.
Healthcare decisions can feel overwhelming when costs are unclear or when you’re unsure where to turn. For Shawn, having transparency and support at the beginning of the process helped remove much of that uncertainty.
“It was empowering. It’s really the peace of mind factor, and with the virtual component, you have a virtual partner to help you every step of the way.”
Today, Shawn continues to appreciate the simplicity and clarity the experience provides. The ability to understand costs, evaluate options, and access guidance through a single platform has helped him feel more informed and in control of his care.
For Shawn, that’s what matters most. Just as music becomes easier when you know what’s coming next, healthcare decisions become easier when you have the information and support you need from the start.
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