5 Easy Ways to Bring Down Healthcare Costs

O’Brian Gunn

Better and more affordable healthcare is a hot-button issue, but having healthcare might not mean much if you can’t afford to use it. It’s almost like having the money to afford a Bugatti Veyron but not the money for the upkeep or insurance. Before you schedule your next checkup and potentially fall out when you see they siphon just as much money as they do blood, give your healthcare costs a tuneup.

Ask About Alternative Prescriptions

Remember that your doctor knows about your physical health, not your financial health. What this means is that your doctor may not know you can’t afford the medications he or she prescribes, so don’t be afraid to ask if there’s a generic option or a suitable over-the-counter medication. You don’t want to compromise on your health, but there’s no need for you to pay a higher copay or prescription cost for a brand-name drug that works the same as a less-expensive option.

Paging Dr. Discount

If you’ve fallen on hard financial times and need some assistance taking care of your medical bills, see if your primary care provider would be willing to offer you a discount. No matter your feelings on the current state of the health insurance industry, know that not all doctors are out to take advantage of patients or charge them an arm and a leg for surgery on an arm and a leg. This is an especially good option if you’ve been with your healthcare provider for a while.

“Say What Now, Doc?!”

Not following your doctor’s orders properly could result in the further debilitation of your health — and an unnecessary medical bill. Take a notebook with you whenever you visit the doctor and write down how and when you should take your prescription, even if the instructions are on the bottle. Ask your doctor for clarification if there’s anything you don’t understand about your instructions, and make sure you actually fill the prescriptions you’re given.

Compare and Contrast to 
Make Your Money Last

Before you drive to the nearest pharmacy to fill your prescription, call around to see if other local pharmacies charge the same amount for the same medication. No matter how much you want to support independently owned businesses, Walmart, Target, Costco, and other big box stores may have equally big savings on filling prescriptions. Think of how much money you can save with a less expensive prescription at a less expensive pharmacy.

If your doctor says you need lab tests, you can comparison shop for those as well. Before you immediately book your appointment at the least expensive facility, make sure they offer a high quality of service. Saving money on your tests won’t do you much good if the procedure is done incorrectly or if the technician bought his degree rather than earned it.

Clerical and Clinical Errors

Before handing your card or financial information over, look closely at your medical bill to ensure it’s correct. The Medical Billing Advocates of America recently reported that roughly 80 percent of medical bills contain errors. Marinate on that number for a minute. Hit your doctor or medical care facility up if you were charged for cataract removal when you went in for a catheter removal. Just like in carpentry, measure your bill twice and swipe your card once.

Keep from going into financial cardiac arrest while you’re keeping yourself in good health. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, and a little knowledge makes that medicine more affordable. Take that, Dr. Poppins.