Save on Healthcare
Practice Good Health
This tip is obvious and heard all the time, but it bears repeating. No health care treatment can match eating appropriate amounts of food that benefits your body as well as exercising regularly.
Quit Smoking
The monetary savings of this decision equals about $5 a day, and the health benefits are priceless. There are many educational resources and aids – like nicotine gum and patches – to help you quit rather than go it alone.
Invest in Prevention
It's far cheaper to schedule an annual physical or gynecological exam than to wait until you don't feel well to get checked out by a doctor.
Explore Clinic Options
There are some mainstream retail stores that now offer clinic services for basic healthcare needs. These clinics are operated by independent hospitals and healthcare providers at low costs that are clearly posted. These opportunities can also keep you out of the emergency room as well as avoid costly hospital bills.
Evaluate Your Medication
You may have a prescription for a drug that isn't covered by your insurance company. However, there may be a similar medication that your insurance company will cover. This medication information is on a “formulary,” which is a list of drugs that your insurance will pay for. Take this to your doctor so he has access to the information when writing your prescription.
Talk to the Nurse
Unless it's an emergency, you may not need to go in to your hospital or clinic to be seen. Call your doctor's office and ask first to speak to the nurse. The advice from the nurse and a few more days might be enough to wait out your issue.
Avoid Unnecessary Tests
How do you know when it's time for a mammogram or other costly test? Unless there are symptoms or family history, there are usually general guidelines for tests like these. Research the tests that pertain to your situation to help you decide which ones are necessary and which can wait.
Ask About a Discount
Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for a hospital discount. Meet with hospital administrators and bring proof of your family's income to see if you qualify.
Increase Your Deductible
If you currently have health insurance, you may be paying a higher monthly fee but have a low deductible. Call your insurance company for information regarding increasing your deductible and lowering the amount of money out of your pocket each month. Make sure to discuss the long-term benefits and consequences of this decision.
Use an HSA
A Health Savings Account is a good complement to a high-deductible insurance policy. Basically, the money you put into a Health Savings Account is used for medical expenses until the higher deductible is met. Any other funds remaining earn tax-free interest.
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written by: Kelly Wilson
Kelly Wilson is a busy mom and freelance writer who works hard to save money on healthcare.
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Image courtesy of cooldesign / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
