There are many things you can do to save money on your medical bills without sacrificing the quality of your health. Here are a few tips:
Use the ER for emergencies only. This is the most expensive way to get medical treatment because it is considered "emergency care." You are better off finding a doctor who has a call schedule, even if it costs you a little extra. This way, if you are unsure if it is an emergency, you can call your doctor first.
Consider outpatient services or same day surgery centers. Ask your doctor if a procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. Something like your routine colonoscopy can be half as much as a hospital may charge. If not, ask if you can schedule your procedure early in the week to avoid spending the weekend in the hospital.
Request an itemized bill. You are legally entitled to this, so be sure to request one so you can compare it to the services you actually received. If you are having a problem getting an itemized bill, keep copies of all your correspondences and write a letter to your state attorney general.
Keep copies of all your medical records and tests. Request copies so you will not have to repeat certain tests if you need a second opinion, or decide to switch doctors at a later date. The only caveat occurs when you are applying for disability and "non-personal reasons," then doctors can charge a small fee for copies of your records and tests.
Save all receipts. They may also be important to you in the future (along with medical records) when applying for certain medical programs such as Medicaid. You will also want to save them because you might be eligible for a tax break if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. These expenses may include contact lenses, parking, insurance premiums and co-pays. For a complete list got to the IRS Web site.
Know your doctor and make sure your doctor knows you. A positive relationship with your doctor can mean extra discounts and better treatment, from squeezing you in for appointments to calling in a prescription when needed. If you are open with your physician about your financial situation, he/she can begin to investigate less expensive treatments and labs to get your tests done.
Negotiate with your doctor. Suggest a lower price in cash upfront, but before you do, be sure to do a little research to find out what other health-care providers in your area are charging. You can save up to 25% of your remaining balance if you have insurance, or 50% of your entire bill!
Review all your medical bills. Be sure to check for mathematical errors as well as other erroneous charges. If you can, review your charges with friend who is a doctor or a nurse. If you already have a good relationship with your doctor, bring in your itemized bill to your next "follow up" visit and ask the doctor to explain charges you are unsure of. If you catch some mistakes, ask your doctor who you need to go to get the charges resolved. Depending on your relationship with your doctor, he/she may be able to make a call to the billing department for you.
Generic drugs. Ask you doctor if there is a generic version of your drug available or even an over the counter medication that may meet your needs.
Ask for drug samples. Your doctor might have samples of a drug you need available in his or office. Ask for them or even discounts or rebates that may be provided by the pharmaceutical company.
Order online. Although you may be able to save money by ordering on the internet, be careful. Many websites are not reputable and are selling medications without authorization to do so. For more information about protecting yourself, go to the Food and Drug Administration's site on www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/default.htm.
Buy in bulk. If you belong to a prescription drug plan (e.g. through your health insurance), you may be able to get a three-month supply of your prescription drug through the mail for the same price.
Look into patient assistance programs. Most major drug companies provide some sort of assistance to people who need their drugs and cannot afford it. You can either call the manufacturer directly (ask your doctor or pharmacists for the manufacturer name and number if you are having difficulty find it) or go to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (1.888.477.2669) and ask for a guide to these programs.
Know your policy. Be sure you understand what is covered, and what is not in terms of service, participating providers, premiums, deductibles, co-payments, formularies (a list of drugs), including co-payments for prescription drugs as well as the maximum amount a plan will pay in a year, etc - before you receive services. When inquiring about a policy, look for one that offers discounts for healthy behaviors, and one that suits most of your needs, and be sure to check it every year to ensure you are not missing out on new benefits that may be offered.
Shop around. You will be surprised at the savings you may find when comparing a one night stay from one hospital to another or to a drugstore across the street to one a few blocks away (and don't forget those big box store wholesalers).
Check out community health centers. These clinics have a myriad of services based on your income. Call your local department of health to find out what services you might be eligible for that are free.
Private donations. If you have no insurance and have to go to the hospital, ask to apply for free care funds. Many hospitals throughout the country have access to private donations, or even get reimbursed by their state for people who cannot pay their bills.
Keep yourself healthy at any age. Take advantage of wellness programs and screenings in your area. Maintain health by managing your stress level, staying active and exercising regularly, while kicking unhealthy habits such as smoking.