How to save on medical bills

Keeping healthy is not often easy. Despite our best efforts we still get sick. Regardless of our age or status, being sick can wreck havoc with our plans not to mention our budget.

Medical Expenses

If you don’t have insurance, doctor fees can run you into the thousands. Most doctors charge between $4000- $10,000 for an office visit.  Then of course you have the obligatory tests and medication.  It is not unusual for persons to ask the pharmacist for a week’s supply of a drug that needs to be taken for a longer time as they simply can’t afford the full dosage.

The loss of working days because of illness can also be a major inconvenience especially to those who are self employed.  If the illness is serious and warrants a hospital visit then the costs rise significantly.

So how can you save on medical bills?

How to save

Use generic prescription drugs.  According to the Consumer Reports National Research Center, generic drugs are as effective and safe as name-brand drugs and often cost significantly less. So ask your doctor or pharmacist about generic drugs.

Create a payment plan. If you can’t pay your bill in full and on time, ask the billing-office staff if they will work with you to create a plan enabling you to make smaller, more manageable payments over an extended period of time.

Talk to your insurance company.
If you’re having trouble paying your medical bills, there may be a different health insurance plan that is better suited to your needs.

Establish a health savings account.
If you have a high-deductible health plan, you should consider opening a health savings account to save for items your health plan won’t cover.

Ask for itemized bills. The explanation of benefits statement does not always contain a detailed breakdown of all costs charged to you for services and/or inpatient stay. Specifically ask for an itemized bill so you know exactly what you are being charged for.

Review bills for errors. Make sure that you actually received all of the services, medications and other items that you are being charged for. If you notice a discrepancy or error, request copies of your medical chart and/or pharmacy ledger so that you can compare the doctor’s orders for services with what you were billed for.

Maintain good health

It is definitely easier and cheaper to stay healthy than paying for care when you get sick.  Eating healthy, getting enough rest, taking vitamins and exercising are simple ways to ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle.  This means less trips to the doctor and less for you to pay!

So what’s your take on the issue?

Let me hear from you! Drop a line below.

Tags: medical bills