Healthcare is a hot topic this year. And come January 1st MYSELF and millions of other Americans will be dropped from their existing health insurance. Personally I find the whole situation of exploring insurance options overwhelming and it gives me a headache. And I have a medical degree and understand all the medical jargon the insurance companies use and make sure to ask a lot of questions most folks probably don’t think to ask. It’s a daunting process to be faced with finding new health coverage and a new doctor. And frankly, I am just too tired at the end of my day to wait while the healthcare.gov website spools and reloads for hours, or talk to someone on the phone from a health insurance company about the nuances of various plans. So my EZ fix solution will just be to get hitched. I told my boyfriend “Let’s get married Dec 31st so I can just get on your plan.” Just kidding …
Seriously though between today and Dec 31st if you are uninsured or underinsured here’s a couple tips to lower your healthcare costs while still getting the service and high quality care you need and deserve. There are several strategies that medical insiders know that can get you a significant reduction in the cost of everything from appointments to prescriptions! You may be able to reduce doctor’s appointment costs by up to 50%!? Hold onto your checkbooks and get ready to save money because the doctor is in! I’ve outlined some tips below that will keep your checkbook and wallet healthy!
Before I go any further I must say that prevention is the key component to maintaining best health, but here are a few tips to help you manage your healthcare costs because we never know what life is going to throw at us…
Tips:
1) Ask your doctor for a discount: That’s right! Like NIKE says, “Just do it!” ASK. It is often that simple, especially if you’re paying cash. This goes for labs and blood work as well. For uninsured or cash/self pay patients: Tell your doc you are paying out pocket. When you are not using insurance to pay the cost may be considerably less or you may be able to get on a payment plan. Discounts sometimes reach up to 50%!
2) Flexible Healthcare Spending account: This is an account where you designate a fixed amount of money to be taken from your paycheck every month pre-tax to be used throughout the year for medical expenses, i.e. eyeglasses, contacts, braces for your kid’s teeth, even a breast pump for a new mom. Sorry, ELECTIVE things like paying for Botox can’t be paid for using a Flexible Spending account though.
3) Discount Pharmacies: Walmart, Costco, and Target are examples of places you can find free drugs, generics and lower cost presciptions. Check them out! Also many pharmacies have member rewards programs where after a certain number of prescriptions are filled or dollars spent you get a prescription for FREE!
4) Get prescriptions by mail-order in “bulk”: Buy a 3-month supply and you may only have to pay one co-pay. Often mail order offers more cost effective medications.
5) Ask for sample medications: If your doc wants to start you on a new medication ask if you could try some samples. This way before you pay for it you can see if it works for you, and also make sure you don’t have a reaction to it. Often your doctor may have samples available at the office free of charge. And also ask if they have any manufacturer’s coupons or discount card for the medication.
6) Don’t attend unnecessary office visits: Call your doctor if you have a minor ailment and ask if you really need to come back for follow-up – he/she may say no need and you’ve saved yourself an office visit charge. At the same time make sure you know your doctor’s cancellation policy and always abide by it. If you miss appointments, or show up too late the office may cancel your appointment AND charge you a no-show fee. Remember an appointment missed is a slot another sick person or patient couldn’t get.
7) Make use of your time and the doctor visit: Make a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about so when you come you make good use of time and also get all your questions answered. You want to use the 15-30 minutes you get wisely and get everything answered in order to avoid an appointment or charged call when you realize you forgot to ask about an ailment or health concern.
8) Workplace Prevention Programs: Check if your company offers free preventative care or gym membership, some even offer Weight Watchers programs from work!
9) Choose insurance coverage that is tiered for you: Customize your plan for things such as just getting hospital coverage or only using general medical insurance. Some plans such as Freelancers Union even let you mix and match options to find a plan that matches your need and budgets. That program is great for temps, freelancers, small biz owners and more! This is important especially for those shopping for health insurance in the new year.
10) Avoid the ER as much as possible: The EMERGENCY ROOM is for EMERGENCIES. Do not use it for primary care issues. That’s why you should have a primary care doctor – who knows your medical history and can get you into the office when issues arise. Substitute Urgent Care or local clinics and save on hefty emergency room bills and time spent waiting in the ER! Remember the ER handles sick patients – patients who have life threatening problems. If you’re going to the ER for a paper cut then you probably won’t be seen quickly.
It’s almost the end of the year. It’s time! If you have used up your deductible then GO and get your procedures and preventative care done. And if you’re looking for insurance keep me posted and let me know how your insurance hunt goes… I’m on the hunt for new insurance too.
XO
Dr. V