Mark Luigi Dacumos
If you feel like healthcare costs are out of control, you’re certainly not alone. But there are ways to gain some control over those costs, and we’ll review them right now.
Staying healthy may seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth it. Not only can it increase your longevity so you can stick around extra years for your loved ones, but staying healthy can also save you a ton of money.
Even if you’ve been lucky enough to avoid spending money on healthcare in the past, things can change in the blink of an eye. And as we age, our need for healthcare tends to rise, which raises this question: What can we do to cut the cost of medical care as much as possible?
Here are some tips:
1. Always ask for discounts.
2. Take your doctor’s advice.
While it’s a good money-saving practice to ask your doctor about discounts, you should also listen to their recommendations. Why? Because doing so could prevent issues down the line that could negatively impact your health and your bank account.
For instance, if your doctor writes you a prescription, follow up and get it filled. Be sure to take it as directed as well. While simple, such advice is often ignored, which lands people back at the doctor’s office or in the hospital later on.
3. Shop around for affordable tests.
What do many of us do when our doctor tells us to get a lab test or MRI done? We go directly to the place the doctor recommended, as all we can think about are those test results.
Well, before you take that trip, shop around a bit. Call other testing sites in your area to see what they charge. While you may think there would be no difference, it’s been shown that services can vary widely in price, even within the same zip code. By taking a few extra minutes to make some phone calls, you may be able to snag some savings on your tests.
4. Check your bills carefully.
Did you know that almost four out of five medical bills contain errors? That’s according to the Medical Billing Advocates of America, which shows the need to read over your bills before making any payments.
Whether it’s for a doctor’s office visit or a lab test, make sure you’re not overpaying. If you have any questions or feel like you’re being overcharged, call the billing department to get a confirmation.
5. Pay a higher deductible.
Will a high-deductible health policy lead to potentially higher out-of-pocket costs? Sure, but if you hardly go to the doctor, increasing your deductible may be a smart move, as it can lower your monthly premiums.
Before making this change, make sure you have enough cash just in case something happens down the line, as you’ll have to pay that deductible before your insurance kicks in.
