Easy Ways to Lower Medical Bills

Posted on 09. Sep, 2010 by in General, Health, Opinion, Saving Money & Finances

Easy ways to lower medical billsI’ve been writing a lot of long winded articles recently so I thought I would bring a quick article with a few simple tips to help you lower your medical costs. Medical costs seem to be on the rise with insurance companies finding ways to get more profit now that the health care laws are going to be forcing them to insure everybody. Personally I think it’s great that everyone will be eligible but I am sad the insurance industry is just raising prices, don’t tthta make enough already!

Here are 3 easy ways to lower medical bills

1. Save on your prescriptions.

Even with the rising cost of prescriptions there are still a lot of ways to save money on medication. Always make sure you ask your doctor for samples, especially for short treatments. You can request generics, and always shop around, comparing costs at in-store and online pharmacies.

2. Actually Use Your Insurance!

Many people don’t actually know about all the perks that their insurance offers. Many health insurance plans offer free exams or wellness services, always make sure you take advantage of every last one of them… You are paying after all! These perks could include potentially life-saving screenings, including mammograms or prostate tests. Sometimes exams to monitor your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are also offered. Neighborhood screening programs can also offer some great free health help.

3. Put Some Cash in an HSA.

If you are making payments to a savings account why not make them to a tax-advantaged health savings account, otherwise known as an HSA. HSA’s are for people who are enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP). A certain amount from your paycheck is put into an account for your future medical expenses. The money is tax free. Money not used in a certain year can be carried over to the next year… still tax free.

ADVERTISMENT: CONTENT CONTINUED BELOW

I hope you enjoyed the tips but I neglected to mention looking after your own health rather than relying on medicine and the medical system to keep fixing you. I really believe with exercise and eating right you will really cut your medical bills. Headaches can often be cut back by staying hydrated. Insomnia cured by exercise and with just simply eating better a lot of medication and medical emergencies can be avoided!

As always you feedback is highly, highly appreciated.

Do you have any other easy ways to lower medical bills?

GD Star Rating
loading...

Tags: , ,

6 Responses to “Easy Ways to Lower Medical Bills”

  1. Michelle Adams

    09. Sep, 2010

    Oh number 2 is so true Forest! They put all the details in fine print mumbo jumbo and it’s difficult to get clear exactly what we can and can’t claim. I guess I need to take responsibility for it and ring my provider for all the juicy details! I’m tired of wasting money!

    Yes, if we all focus more on prevention we gain a lot more than just some extra money in our pockets too.

    I’m guilty of headaches induced by not eating and drinking at regular intervals. :(

    Sheesh, between this post and your exercise one…I have been given a nice little wake up call tonight…I thank you for that! :)

    GD Star Rating
    loading...
    Reply to this comment

    • Forest

      14. Sep, 2010

      Hey Michelle, sorry I lost this comment and just found it :) …. I knew you had commented somewhere else!

      How does healthcare work in AUS, do they only have private health?

      GD Star Rating
      loading...
      Reply to this comment

  2. Brian

    09. Sep, 2010

    You can also negotiate your medical bills as many healthcare providers will discount your bill 10-50% or more if you pay promptly, e.g. within the first billing cycle, or even in the first 90 days. With so many medical bills (50%+) never paid by patients and with billing costs on the rise (it costs about $5 or more to send a medical bill), you can save alot by just asking for a discount. You can also use a free service like http://www.paymentclinic.com, which is working with a growing number of hospitals and doctors to give patients discounts on their bills if they pay promptly.

    GD Star Rating
    loading...
    Reply to this comment

    • Forest

      14. Sep, 2010

      Hey Brian, that’s an interesting idea!

      GD Star Rating
      loading...
      Reply to this comment

  3. FrugalGuy

    12. Sep, 2010

    I also agree with #2 if you read the fine print. Many medical insurance policies pay for wellness checkups and many other preventative procedures like acupuncture.

    GD Star Rating
    loading...
    Reply to this comment

Leave a Reply