Let’s face it, healthcare is expensive.
Try these six simple ways to cut medical costs without sacrificing your wallet or your health.
- Equip yourself. If it is not an emergency situation, buy your basic medical equipment (i.e., slings, splints, braces, and crutches) through a local pharmacy, medical supply store or even online. Hospitals and other health care facilities charge an almost unconscionable amount for the same equipment that you can buy yourself for considerably less. If you are fortunate enough to have health insurance, depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement after purchase. You may be wondering why you should go through the trouble when your insurance will cover the item no matter the cost; however, it is this sort of thinking that has allowed health insurance costs and premiums to skyrocket nearly unchecked. Remember, in the end; costs are always trickled down to the consumer.
2. Negotiate. You might be surprised to learn that most people never think to ask, let alone negotiate the cost of health care services. The simple fact is, much like buying a car; the cost of your health care service is not set in stone. Negotiating a fair price is entirely acceptable, and the two most powerful tools at your disposal are competitor’s costs and the health care blue book; a free online tool that tells you the average cost of a particular health care related service or test in your area. To utilize these tools simply call and gather prices of the same service from competing sources and go to https://www.healthcarebluebook.com. Ideally, you should do this before you receive the service, however, if you get a bill and you feel the price is much higher than it should be, call the billing department with your findings and ask them to adjust the bill. Although they are not required to lower it, you might be pleasantly surprised (and a few dollars richer) by what a little pushback can do.
3. Check for Errors. Did you know that as many as 4 out of 5 hospital bills contain errors? It’s true! Carefully reviewing your medical bill could save you substantial money. The first step to properly review your bill is to make sure that it is itemized. If your bill is not itemized, contact the billing department and ask them to send you an itemized bill.The most common errors to look for are:
- Tests that you didn’t receive and services that were not rendered.
This usually happens because doctor’s order tests or services that end up canceled but mysteriously still end up on your bill. - Duplicate charges. This usually happens due to a simple clerical error or mistake that occurred during data entry.
- Medication. Check the RX name, dosing, and frequency. For example, you may have been given a generic drug while in hospital but charged a name brand price; or perhaps you received three doses, and they charged you for five.
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If you find an error and decide to dispute the charges, or if you need more clarification about the charges that you see on your bill, contact your healthcare provider’s billing office.
4. Split the difference. A stunning fact about your medication that defies logic is that higher-dose pills are almost the same price as their lower-dose counterpart. What that means for you is that IF you can safely split your pills, you could reduce your RX cost by 50%! Before you decide to do this, however, it is critical that you consult with your doctor about the safety of splitting your particular medication. Once you get the green light, you should purchase a pill splitter, a nifty (and inexpensive) little gadget that will ensure a uniform cut and an accurate dose.
5. Ask Questions. We understand that doctors are the experts. After all, they worked hard to earn their education and profession. It is for this very reason that many people are reluctant to question their doctor. While it is important to follow your doctor’s orders, merely asking these two questions may help save you time and money. The questions are “Is it necessary?” and “Are there cheaper alternatives?” asking these simple questions may inspire your doctor to think outside the box or motivate them into allowing you to wait and see if the symptoms subside before jumping into a lot of unnecessary tests.
6. Choose Wisely. Instead of hitting up the ER when you sprain your ankle or begin suffering from an earache, choose less expensive medical establishments like urgent care or walk-in retail clinics. They have a lot of experience dealing with common illnesses and injuries and not only are your wait times likely to be less, but the bill will be a lot cheaper. If you are slated to have surgery, consider an ambulatory surgical center rather than a hospital; the procedure will cost you less, and you will get home quicker. If you are required to go to a hospital, consider going to a nonprofit hospital, they are more affordable than their for profit counterparts, and they offer better financial aid. If you have health insurance, find out if they offer telephone or online consultations with a nurse or doctor. Not only is this benefit much less expensive than an office visit but also you can see the doctor (or nurse) from the comfort of your own home, which is extremely convenient when you or a loved one is sick.