Reducing Your Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs can be super expensive nowadays. Lots of folks struggle to pay their medical bills and prescription drug costs. But there are ways you can reduce your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. This article will give you some tips and strategies to spend less on healthcare.

Use Generic Prescription Drugs

Brand name prescription drugs are way more expensive than generic versions. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand name ones. They work just as well to treat your condition. Ask your doctor if any of your medications can be switched to a generic. This can save you a ton of money over time.

For example, if your copay for a brand name drug is $30 versus $10 for the generic, you’ll save $240 a year if you take that med once a month. That’s some serious savings! Be sure to talk to your doc first though to make sure the generic will work just as well for your situation.

Use Mail Order for Maintenance Medications

If you take any meds on an ongoing basis like diabetes or blood pressure pills, using mail order can save money. Many health insurance plans offer this option. You can get a 90-day supply shipped right to your doorstep. This avoids multiple trips to the pharmacy each month.

Plus, you may pay less per pill when buying in bulk. For instance, your copay might be $10 for a 30-day supply at the drugstore. But you may pay only $20 for a 90-day supply from mail order. That’s a bargain! Just remember to re-order in time so you don’t run out.

Use Coupons and Discount Cards

Never pay full price for brand name drugs if you can avoid it. Drug companies often offer coupons and discount cards to lower your out-of-pocket costs. You can find them online or sometimes in the doctor’s office.

These can give you substantial savings on expensive meds. For example, if a drug costs $500 per month normally, you may pay only $50 with a coupon. Just make sure to check the terms so you know how long the discount lasts. Some only work for your first few fills.

Compare Prices at Different Pharmacies

Believe it or not, prices can vary a lot between pharmacies for the same drug. Call around and compare cash prices. This includes big chains, grocery stores, independent pharmacies and online retailers.

For example, you may find a generic antibiotic that’s $12 at one pharmacy but only $6 at another down the street. That’s a huge difference! Checking prices and shopping around could save you big time.

Enroll in a Health Savings Account

If your health plan is HSA-eligible, sign up for a health savings account (HSA). This is a special savings account for medical expenses. You can contribute pre-tax dollars and use it tax-free for copays, deductibles and more.

HSAs have triple tax advantages:

• Contributions are tax deductible
• Funds grow tax-free
• Withdrawals are tax-free for medical expenses

The more you can contribute upfront, the more you can grow the balance over time. Then you’ll have funds to cover healthcare costs down the road.

Use Your FSA if Offered

Take advantage of a flexible spending account (FSA) if your employer offers one. Like an HSA, you fund it pre-tax to pay for healthcare expenses. The big difference is you have to use FSA funds by the end of the plan year.

Still, it allows you to budget for predictable medical costs. Things like copays, contacts, prescription sunglasses and dental work. Just estimate carefully so you don’t lose leftover funds.

Compare Costs for Elective Procedures

When you need a non-urgent elective procedure like knee surgery or a hip replacement, take time to compare costs between providers. Prices can vary a lot even in the same geographical area.

Get quotes upfront from the surgeon, anesthesiologist, facility fees and any other costs. Factor in rehab and follow-up appointments too. Going with the most affordable total package can save thousands of dollars.

Use Urgent Care Instead of the ER

Emergency rooms are super expensive, so avoid going unless absolutely necessary. For minor illnesses and injuries, urgent care centers can treat you for much less.

Things like ear infections, fevers, sprains and small cuts can all be handled at an urgent care. You’ll pay a fraction of the cost versus going to the hospital ER.

Ask About Payment Plans

If you end up with a large medical bill, ask if the provider offers payment plans. Many allow interest-free installments to pay off the balance over 6 months or longer.

This makes big bills more affordable by spreading payments out. Just be sure to get the plan terms in writing. You don’t want late fees or interest to accrue if you pay late.

Negotiate Your Medical Bills

If you receive a high bill, try negotiating with the billing department. Many medical charges are inflated. There is often room to lower the amount, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Explain your financial hardship and ask for a discount. Or request an itemized bill and look for errors or duplicate charges. Getting certain items reduced or removed could slash your balance.

Check for Financial Assistance

Many hospitals offer financial assistance or charity care programs. These provide discounted or free services for patients based on financial need.

Inquire about eligibility for these programs if you’re struggling with large medical debts. They can help lower your bills and ease the financial burden.

Max Out Your Policy Benefits

Don’t leave money on the table by missing out on preventive care. Most health plans now offer free services like annual check-ups, cancer screenings, vaccinations and wellness visits.

Taking advantage of these can help you catch issues early before they become more serious and expensive down the road. You’ll stay healthier and maximize the benefits you already paid for.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

One of the best ways to reduce healthcare costs is to avoid getting sick in the first place. Make healthy lifestyle choices to lower your risk of chronic illnesses that rack up big medical bills.

Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, limit alcohol, and get enough sleep. Staying physically and mentally healthy will save you money over the years.

The Bottom Line

Healthcare costs are a major concern for many people today. But there are ways to spend less on medical expenses if you’re savvy.

Use generic drugs, compare prices between pharmacies, enroll in tax-advantaged savings accounts, and take advantage of preventive care. Also, lead a healthy lifestyle to avoid chronic diseases down the road.

Putting some of these simple money-saving tips into practice can help lower your out-of-pocket healthcare costs.