Save Money on Health Costs

by Debbie Vasen | More from this Blogger

07 Jul 2007 01:39 PM

Medical bills are ruining most of our budgets. From the rising cost of health insurance to larger co-payments and prescription costs, the average family is treading water. Certainly healthcare is one of the most important investments, but how do we handle the increasing expenses?

Probably the most important consideration is to follow the rules. Whether it is your doctor's orders or your healthcare plan's restrictions, it is critical to saving money. For example, I had a friend who had an infection. She went to the doctor who prescribed her an antibiotic and told her to stay on it until the prescription ran out. After a couple of days, she felt better and went off the prescription. The infection then came back ten times worse and she had to be hospitalized for a day to receive intravenous antibiotics. Needless to say, she spent far more money out-of-pocket for not listening to her doctor's initial advice. The cost of one doctor's visit plus one prescription is far less than even one day of hospital bills.

Another important rule to follow is your healthcare plans regulations. Does your plan require you to get approval before you go to a specialist? The time it takes to make one phone call can save you thousands of dollars. Take the time to pour over your health insurance plan booklet. Make sure you understand all their procedures and clarify any uncertainties. It is also worth your effort and money to try and find a doctor that is part of your plan. This can also save you thousands of dollars.

If you don't have insurance, make a point to discuss options with your doctor. Many clinics will offer discounts to uninsured individuals or at the very least set up payment plans. It is also imperative to not ignore your health, even if you don't have health insurance. Taking care of a small problem before it gets worse will save you money in the long run.

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Learn more about Debbie Vasen

Debbie Vasen is a published web content editor and writer, as well as a freelance writer for various print publications. In addition to blogging at Families.

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