How to Save More on Medical Costs
Needless to say, we’re acting like penny-pinchers these days. And who can blame us? With the way the economy is going, we all better think more than twice before spending on anything. In times like these, we have to be in the best of health, because hospitalization and medication costs are usually steep.
50 Ways to Save on Medical Bills from CNNMoney
- Ask for a deal
- Get the facts
- Pay up front, in cash
- Look for mistakes
- Check up before you check in
- Track your spending
- Follow doctor's orders
- Equip yourself
- Seek smart counsel
- Visit a retail health clinic
- Choose wisely
- Widen your network
- Follow the rules
- Get what you deserve
- Don't be denied
- Hire expert help
- Check yourself out
- Consider an HSA
- Stay insured
- Be flexible
- Don't lose it
- Game the system
- Take the write-off
- Grab generics
- Go postal
- Split 'em up
- Ask for samples
- Shop Mom and Pop
- Find a cheaper alternative
- Buy online
- Sign up for Medicare part D
- Go for the discount
- Stick with the plan
- Join a discount club
- Go to dental school
- Choose cheaper fillings
- Don't pay retail
- Forgo pricey extras
- Take an aspirin
- Stress less
- Stub your butt
- Put a cork in it
- Get moving
- Get a lunchbox
- Drink from the tap
- Wash up
- Let the boss help
- Adult-proof your home
- Floss daily
- Question your tests
Multiple Ways to Save on Medical Costs
- Discuss your situation with people in a position to make a decision about your financial bills.
- Contact various associations and foundations to inquire about resources available.
- Talk to your friends. Many of them have been through similar circumstances and I have found them to be a wealth of knowledge about local resources.
- One of the resources recommended was Catholic Charities.
- Call medical providers to compare rates for office visits and services.
- Often doctors will discount bills by a certain percentage if you pay by cash vs.
- Ask the doctor to help you prioritize what medical matters should be dealt with, comparing risk of waiting and ability to pay.
- When dealing with several doctor bills
- In addition to calling doctors, I have called hospitals to explain our financial condition with multiple bills.
- Call various pharmacists to get quotes on medications used frequently to determine where you can get the best price.
- Save money by purchasing necessary medications at higher doses and then splitting the pills in half.
- Keep your medical records filed in an organized way so that you can check bills easily.
- Keep immaculate records and all receipts for tax purposes. Mileage, motel stays, etc.
- Check to determine if your company offers an HSA
- An alternative that employers are required to offer is an FSA
via betterbudgeting
5 Ways to Save on Medical Costs by Going Generic
1. Yeast infection treatments
2. Migraine pain relievers
3. Menstrual cramp relief
4. Non drowsy allergy relief
5. Skin and hair care
via usnews
Ten Tips for Slashing Your Medical Bills
- Prevent rather than treat.
- Shop around for your health insurance.
- Be sure to check your medical bills for accuracy.
- Check out your spouses insurance and consider joining it!
- Deduct medical expenses on your taxes, whenever possible.
- Try negotiating a discount with your health care provider.
- Contribute to a flexible spending account with your employer.
- Take advantage of free services whenever possible.
- Understand your health insurance coverage.
- Check for discounts on your prescription drugs.
Save on Medical Costs
- Review your hospital bill.
- Try to haggle.
- Do you have medical insurance?
- Ask about payment terms and other possible discounts.
- making phone inquiries on several pharmacies
- make sure you’re eating right
- take advantage of free check-ups
via lifespy