5. Don’t procrastinate.
If you plan to get the Gardasil vaccine to protect yourself against cervical cancer and HPV, make sure you have time to get all three doses of the vaccine before you turn 27. Administered over an eight-month span, the vaccine has only been approved by the FDA for women up to 26 years of age, so insurance will not cover any shots needed once you’re past the cutoff (even if you start the process before your birthday). Out-of-pocket, these jabs can cost up to $200 each, not counting administration fees tacked on by your doctor’s office.
6. Feel free to bargain.
Unlike the price tag on those fabulous (and completely out of your budget) new fall boots, medical costs aren’t always set in stone. If you’re uninsured and paying out-of-pocket for hospital or doctor services, don’t be afraid to try these proven ways to negotiate medical bills. Disclosing your income may knock off a chunk of the bill, as will offering to pay with cash on the spot—you could get as much as a 20% discount. If your doc wants you to try a new medication, ask if he or she has samples for you to try first, or check the drug’s website for coupons to use at the pharmacy.
7. Take a trip.
Consider planning your next vacation around your next medical procedure. Medical tourism could save you anywhere from 40% to 85% on health-care costs, although it does have its risks. If you’re fully insured, staying at home will be your best bet. But for things that aren’t covered (such as cosmetic surgery or dental procedures), or for patients without insurance, a trip to Mexico, Costa Rica, or even Thailand or India could add up to huge savings.
Just be sure to research the doctor, facility, and country extensively beforehand to avoid insurance and malpractice issues; check out the nonprofit Joint Commission International’s list of accredited hospitals and labs.
8. Get back to basics.
The best way to keep your medical costs down? Don’t get sick. Easier said than done, we know, but if money is tight, focus on the little things within your control—exercise more, drink less alcohol, wear sunscreen, floss your teeth, and wash your hands. Covering these basics will keep you out of the doctor’s office, plain and simple. Oh, and now is a perfect time to stop smoking too: Kicking that habit alone could save you thousands of dollars a year.
Comments (2)
just a thought on high cost of health care, I have heard lots of people talk about cutting cost by dealing with tork,insurance companys,lawyers ect.ect but I havent heard much about the hospitials themselves, example in july of this year I had cataracts removed from both my eyes, which only took 12-15 minutes per eye, when I got the bill I couldnt beleave what I was seeing.. the surgon go 6300 for both surgerys but the hospitial got over $22,000 and they even bill for several things I know for a fact I didnt get such as oxygen both times and just the things I know I didnt get amounted to about $6250.00 and yes thank the good Lord above I did have insurance, but it looks like to me that could be a cost saving is if the hospitials was also brought in check Thanks
Thanks for the tips on saving money on prescription drugs. The expenses add up so quickly and anything helps. One thing that wasn’t mentioned is a prescription assistance program, they really help if you don’t have a large income. I’ve looked into them and the one that makes the most sense for me (and probably for anyone who pays more than $60/month) is http://www.simplefill.com through Prescription Assistance Programs of America. They fill out all the paperwork the drug company requires, gets the doctor’s signature, etc. It’s really nice to know that someone is advocating for you- it takes away a lot of stress.