Four Ways To Reduce The Cost Of Medical Care
Having a health insurance policy can help you to save money on the costs of your medical care, whether you need treatment for a serious condition or you simply need to have regular checkups and labs performed. However, health insurance doesn't always cover all of your costs, so you may be wondering how you can save money and still get the care you need. Here are a few options to consider when looking to reduce the cost of your medical care:
Shop Around For Healthcare
Finding the right health insurance policy is one way you can reduce the cost of your medical care. You'll want to determine what your expected medical needs are first, so you can select the policy that is right for you. A high-deductible policy with low premiums may be the better option if you don't anticipate having any major medical procedures performed. Policies with higher premiums but lower deductibles may be a better option if you anticipate needing surgery or having a child in the upcoming year. Be sure to look for a policy that covers routine checkups completely, as this means you won't have to pay out of pocket if you haven't met your deductible.
Get A Prescription Discount Plan
Some pharmacies offer prescription discount plans, which can be used to supplement your health insurance coverage. You may be able to reduce the cost of both generic and brand-name prescriptions, as well as some types of medical equipment. Your discount may cover syringes for insulin injections or even some mobility aids. Talk to your pharmacist about your current prescriptions and whether or not a discount plan will benefit you.
Discuss The Cost Of Care With Your Doctor
Doctors typically know which tests and procedures are costly and which ones are not covered by insurance. Be upfront with your doctor about your cost concerns, and ask which alternative tests or treatments may be better for your wallet. In some cases, your doctor may be able to order a lower-cost test to rule out certain issues before having more expensive testing performed. For example, is an MRI necessary, or can an X-ray rule out certain issues? If your doctor knows you have issues with cost, you may be able to work together to ensure you get the proper care without spending more than you can afford.
Negotiate Large Bills
Some hospitals have leeway when it comes to reducing charges for customers in need of financial assistance, and you may find that your hospital is willing to work with you on the cost of medical care. You'll want to wait until you see what your health insurance provider covers for any recent hospital stays, and then ask to speak to a supervisor in the billing department. Even if you aren't able to reduce the cost of your care, you may be able to work out payment arrangements for the portion of the bill you are responsible for.
It's also a good idea to contact a health insurance company like http://continsurance.com/ with any questions you might have about your policy. You may find that the insurance company can help you to find doctors within your network and who can provide the care you need at lower rates.