Health care Savings: How to See the Doctor and Save Money

How can you save money and still remain healthy? In this economy, it seems almost impossible to do both; as pay goes down or remains the same, copays and deductibles increase and more healthier foods are costly.  I decided to develop a list from what I know as a health care consumer and what I have heard others say have made the most differences to them.

Savings at the Doctor's Office or Pharmacy

• Use urgent care offices or your regular doctor for non-life threatening issues. Ask your doctor's office if they offer sick, after hours, or weekend visits or ask where they would encourage  you to go during those times for non-life threatening issues.
• Review office billing policy make sure you know the rules; know if you will be charged for after hour calls, or when your doctor returns a phone call, or spends phone time talking to referral sources on your behalf. 
• See the same doctor, whenever possible. This will help you develop a relationship with your doctor which may mean that they become more in tuned with past or current problems and easily are able to pick up on new problems. This will also help you feel comfortable and more willing to share your thoughts and wishes regarding your health care plan.
• Educate yourself, so you can ask questions and get answers. The more you know the more you can prepare and do what you need to do to stay healthy.
• If you are diagnosed with a medical condition, ask about all of your options and the costs.
• Make sure you keep in contact with your insurance company so you can ask questions and know your benefits.
• Go to the your yearly wellness appointments, the healthier you are able to stay the less it will cost you, plus most of these appointments are covered by your insurance so the cost to you is little to nothing.
• Ask for itemized bills from whomever you see, look it over and make sure what you are charged for what was actually done.
• Ask your doctor's office what services they provide, some offices do their own x-rays, EKGs, and other tests that may cost more if you have to go to another facility.
• Talk to your doctor's office about payment options and possible discounts. Some healthcare agencies may give you a % off your bill in you are able to pay in full or if you need a payment plan, ask you may be surprised at what your options are {I would add ask first, when you are scheduling new appointments.}
• Ask about generic medications vs. brand names
• Ask about low price medication lists; some pharmacies have a list of medications that you can get some times cheaper than through using your insurance.
• Look into any store reward deals for using their store for pharmacy benefits
• Shop around for the best prices for eyeglasses and other medical equipment/devices when possible; ask health care provider and other agencies about lower prices {they are out there}.
• See about having labs and the appointment performed on the same day or ask if labs are done earlier what the charges will be.
• Be prepared, always prepare for your doctor's appointment--have your list of questions or symptoms you are having. Make the time spent useful and worth every penny.
• Look into health care flexible spending, it is pre-taxed and it allows you to plan for those unexpected medical expenses.

Saving at the Grocery Store

• Use your rewards savings cards at the grocery or coupons.
• Shop around online for the best savings; now a days there are so many online resources/blogs/etc. to help you determine the best deals that are more cost effective and healthier.
• Use farmers markets for fresh fruits and produce.
• Plan your meals, look at healthier options/recipes that suggest ingredients that are budget friendly.

Tell me how you save and stay healthy? We could all use the extra bucks:)