Health
Money-Saving Tips for Your Health Care Costs
Guest Blogger: Kate Sorensen
Health care costs are complicated, but it’s critical to sort through all of the information available to make sure you are getting the best deals on your medical treatment. Medical bills without insurance are enormously expensive, so it is definitely in your best interest to bite the bullet and spend a few hours—or days—figuring out what your best health care option is. We have compiled a few tips to get you started on your journey to the best health care possible. Following this advice can help prevent unnecessary medical expenses that have the potential to deplete your bank account.
1. Compare plans and premiums.
- It is time-consuming and stressful to compare health care plans. However, CNN Money stresses the importance of analyzing each option when seeking health insurance. The extra time you put into this process will ultimately save you a significant amount of money.
- When checking out the cost of various plans, don’t be fooled into choosing the plan with the cheapest upfront payment. It is far more valuable to examine and compare the cost of the benefits you will use most frequently.
2. Make sure that recommendations are necessary.
- Bankrate.com points out that doctors often recommend tests and procedures that are not entirely necessary. It certainly does not hurt to ask your doctor if their recommended course of treatment is essential. Asking such questions can prevent extremely expensive tests and lab costs, saving you money that can be put toward the medical necessities.
- The same policy applies to medication prescriptions. Cheaper, generic drugs are often just as effective as brand-name drugs. The next time your doctor hands you a prescription, simply ask if it can be substituted for a generic medication. Making an informed decision about your course of treatment can save you money on health care expenses.
3. Double-check doctor and hospital bills.
- According to 25 Ways to Save Money on Healthcare by Parents.com, up to half of your medical bills contain mistakes that cost you additional money. An easy way to prevent unnecessary spending is to carefully read over all your bills to make sure you were not charged for any services you did not receive during your visit.
By comparing costs and double-checking both doctor recommendations and hospital bills, you can protect yourself from unnecessary spending. Sorting through the confusion of health care is daunting, but with a little bit of extra time you can easily maximize your treatment for less.
About the Author
Kate Sorensen is a busy working mother of two and an expert couponer whose hobby is to save her family and others money by finding the best bargains, online and in stores. Visit her blog for the best coupons, discounts, and deals!
I don’t think that the doctors back in my country would be able to tell us if a test was essential. It would simple fall into the category of the compulsory medication list. Thanks for the insight into this scenario.
It takes work but shopping around and comparing quotes from various health insurance providers before signing up a policy is certainly a wise financial move. Only by making a proper comparison can you determine which insurance plan can give you the best coverage at the lowest cost, including discounts and specials.