Saving on Health Care Costs
August 10, 2009 by Miranda Marquit
Filed under Finance
One of the most expensive things that we pay for, as a society, is health care . And as many continue to have problems in this recession, being able to pay for health care is becoming a bigger concern. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce your health care costs. David Colgren, representing the California Society of CPAs , offers these tips for getting a break on health care costs:
- Ask for a price break . It can’t hurt to ask for a price break at your health care providers. Some hospitals and doctors will help you set up a payment plan. My dentist offers a 10% discount when I pay at the time I schedule an appointment.
- Think about the medical facility you use . An emergency room visit costs much more than an urgent-care center, or community-care clinic. Figure out where you can go that costs a little bit less. The emergency room should be your last resort.
- Compare costs . In some cases, hospitals and clinics charge different prices for different tests. Just as you shop around for health insurance and just as you shop around for bargains on consumer items, you can also compare prices on tests and other medical services.
- Look for savings on prescription drugs . There are a number of strategies that you can employ to save money on prescription drugs . These include getting generics, considering discount programs, asking for samples and shopping around.
- Look for incentives . Some employers and insurers offer incentives for healthy living. Try to find out what incentives are available, and whether you can take advantage of them to lower your costs.
Image source: Daylife
I think when it comes to medicine and their health many people forget that you can still negotiate costs. There are some great ways to keep costs down. Thanks!
Separating people from knowing the true cost of their health care, whether through insurance plans or government programs, subverts the natural instincts people have to regulate price, quality and demand, thereby increasing the costs of health care.