- Always Use In-Network Providers, Whenever Possible.
- An in-network provider is a provider who is contracted with your health insurance company to provide services to plan members at per-negotiated rates. In general, if you visit an in-network provider, you will get your health care at a lower price.
- Ask the Right Questions.
- Asking your doctor questions can help you decide what treatment plan is best for both your health and your wallet. Some useful questions to ask your doctor include the following: Why is this treatment necessary? How much will my treatment cost? Can I be treated another way that is equally effective but less costly?
- Keep Drug Costs Down.
- By being a wise health care consumer, you may be able to cut your prescription drug costs by up to 90%. Strategies to help you save money include: Shopping around local pharmacies to find the best price, ask your doctor about generic or over-the-counter drug alternatives to brand-name prescriptions, and looking into discount prescription programs.
- Practice Prevention.
- Prevention includes a healthy lifestyle, exercise, diet and other similar efforts. When preventative care services like physical examinations, screenings and immunizations are combined with a lifestyle that is focused on wellness, significant savings can be achieved. The Trust for America’s Health predicts that there is a return of $5.60 for every $1 spent on proven preventive care strategies in America.
- Take Control of your Health Care
- Learn to shop for value when it comes to healthcare. Ask your doctor the right questions, conduct price comparisons, read reviews and review all medical bills carefully. With a little effort, you can ensure that you are getting the best value for your health care dollars.
This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a legal or medical professional. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. 2017 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.