Strategies to Save Money on Healthcare

Strategies to save money on healthcare:

• Don't assume your employer's coverage is a good deal: Buying individual coverage for a spouse or children may be cheaper. Comparison shop; check out one of the Web's insurance portals, like ehealth.com.
• Compare hidden costs: After spending reaches a specified deductible, some policies cover only 50% of bills; others cover 80% or more. Some plans set annual limits for prescriptions.
• Use flexible spending accounts, which let you use pre-tax dollars to cover deductibles, co-payments, eyeglasses, kids' braces and more.
• Ask questions: Ask you doctors and pharmacists in-depth questions and get involved in your healthcare.
• Consider lifestyle changes: Are you eating health foods? Taking a multi-vitamin? Getting enough sleep? Exercising? Do you smoke? Don't forget to wash hands often. Discuss with your doctor how your habits may be impacting your health and the amount of prescription medications you need to take. Check with your health plan for programs to help you take the steps to a healthier life.
• Investigate online resources: Be sure to visit your insurance company's web site and browse through the tools it offers.
• Generics: Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there's a generic alternative for any prescription drug you are taking.
• Formulary: Check to be sure the prescription drugs you are taking are part of your health plan's preferred medication list (also called its formulary). There are often many medications available that treat the same condition. Ask your doctor for the least expensive prescription, not just his favorite.
• Free health clinics: Check with your state, county, or city government for free health clinics. There may also be low-cost health care made available through charities.