Lowering the Cost of Your Healthcare

April is Financial Literacy Month, meaning it is a great time to go over your budget, understand the bills you are paying, and try to find ways to cut down on costs. Healthcare is an area where you certainly do not want to cut corners in order to save a buck. However, there are safe and healthy ways to lower healthcare costs without sacrificing your health.

Generic Drugs

If you are prescribed medicine, ask if there is a generic version. You will often see a much larger copay for name brand medicine. If a generic brand exists and your doctor recommends it as much as a name brand version, this is an easy way to save money.

Call Pharmacies Before You Go

It is so easy to go to the pharmacy on the corner to pick up your prescription, but that convenience could be costing you. It may be worth the time to call other nearby pharmacies to compare prices. Superstores, like Walmart and Target, tend to have lower prescription costs.

Call Sites Before Procedures

If you have a lab test or MRI coming up, you can call around to compare prices before you book your appointment. Costs can vary significantly, often because of location. Call facilities in the next county or zip code to see if they are a bargain compared to your local testing site.

Ask for a Discount

It can’t hurt! It certainly is not a guarantee, but some doctors are surprisingly willing to give patients a break on the cost of a visit or procedure - especially if you are a loyal patient and are tight on finances. It helps to do some research beforehand so you have an idea on what price is reasonable.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Of course, emergencies and unexpected issues arise. Even for the perfectly healthy, occasional doctor checkups are highly recommended. But, the best way to cut down costs of healthcare is to limit the amount of visits you have to healthcare facilities. This includes eating healthy and being active. It also necessitates following the instructions you receive for prescriptions.

References

1. Ashford, K. & Goldman, R. (2017, September 14). 11 Ways to Save Money on Healthcare. Retrieved March 25, 2020, from https://bit.ly/2UuNgna

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.