Health Care

As most of you may already know, I have health "issues". I have had some chronic problems for more than a decade. It can be very expensive to go to the doctor, even with Health Insurance. I have found out that if I speak openly and honestly about all of my issues (including financial), he or she can help me better.

Here are ways to reduce your out of pocket medical costs:

1- See your primary care physician. Going to an insta-care or emergency room is more expensive. If a specialist is needed, call your doctor for a referral. You don't need to pay an extra co-pay or use your time going in to their office simply to get a referral letter.

2- Stay "In-Network". If you go to a provider who is not in your network, it will cost you more money.

3- Ask if there is an equivalent medication available over the counter for use. Generally this will be less expensive than a prescription.

4- Ask if a generic prescription is available and is recommended to use for your specific condition. Generics are generally mass-produced and are typically the exact same medication as the name brand medication, but with less cost for the insurance companies and the consumer.

5- Ask for samples. The pharmaceutical companies are giving away their products. If you do not use it, someone else will. You might as well be the person saving the money. It will not matter to the pharmaceutical manufacturer who is getting the savings.

6- Write a list of all of the things you want to address before going to the appointment. Waiting on something could be bad for your health, and it definitely hurts your pocket book. Think of all of the co-pays you could save by talking about four items a visit, rather than just one. Movie night anyone?

7- If you do not feel you are receiving the appropriate care or level of service you deserve, find another Doctor! Everyone is entitled to be listened to, heard, and treated with respect. Don't waste your money or your time on a Doctor that is not treating you well or on one who does not seem to be able to treat your problem.

8- Even if you do not feel sick, get a once-a-year physical. This way, your doctor can find anything unusual or abnormal early on. When diseases or conditions are caught in the early stages, the illness and treatments for it are generally much milder and tolerable.

9- If you find that you do have too many medical bills, call the doctor or hospital. The credit manager will help you make payment arrangements and might even reduce or eliminate your bill.