How to Save Money if You Have an Illness

Finances are tight for everyone- add an illness on top of that and you can find yourself in a financial crisis very quickly. Here are some tips that may save you hundreds of dollars.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• Patience
• Phone

1. Consider your illness. Does it require any electrical equipment? Asthma machine? Air filtration? Oxygen? Do you have to run your air conditioner to filter the air due to allergies? Is your immune system compromised - do you need to run the air conditioner to avoid heat stroke? If so, contact your electric company and ask for a medical baseline application. This is NOT financially need based. It is a form that your doctor may sign indicating that you have a need for an increased baseline amount- you know- the part of your bill before the penalty? It increases to allow for your medical need. Individuals requiring life support/oxygen get a bigger baseline allotment than those who do not- however, any medical baseline will likely cut at least 1/3 off your bill (unless you are on a discounted bill already). Get the form mailed to you or download from the internet.
2. Consider your gas bill. Does your medical condition require an increased need for heat? Do you heat your pool to be able to do warm water exercises for arthritis? Do you have a suppressed immune system and need to have heat? Well, guess what, the heating/gas company has a medical baseline allowance as well. Call them for an application or download from the internet.
3. Fill out the above form(s) and prepare to take to your doctors.
4. Before going to the doctors- consider your ability to move about. Do you need a handicapped parking pass- temporarily? While I am continually amazed at people abusing these passes, I am also amazed at the amount of people who genuinely need these passes and do not have one. If you have a medical condition- even if you are not in a wheelchair- please take care of yourself. There are many people with suppressed immune systems, severe arthritis, cardiac issues and lung problems that should not be walking far distances in severe weather. If you need a pass- get one. You do not always have to use it. Save it for when you need it. If you have one- remember that in many states you will receive free parking in metered parking and discounted or free parking in hospitals or doctors offices.
5. If you need a handicapped parking pass- download the form from the internet (your state's department of motor vehicles).
6. Make an appointment with your doctor. If you have a good working relationship with your doctor- explaining your situation should be no problem. Many doctors are unfamiliar with the utility medical baseline forms. However, calmly, kindly explaining your situation should give you the result you need. It is the same with the handicapped pass. Having heat stroke because you had to park in the back 40 at the ball park is unacceptable- your doctor will understand that you are a reasonable person and will use the pass only when you need to.
7. Consider your medications. Are you on a bunch of medications that - even with copays being low- cost hundreds of dollars each month? Talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to give you samples or have other suggestions.
8. If you are seen or treated at a hospital, ask to talk to a social worker to discuss grants or programs for prescriptions discounts.
9. No luck? Don't worry. Contact the Patient Advocate Foundation - a national non-profit organization- they can point you in the direction of many prescription and copay assist programs that are not scams.
10. You can also contact your medical insurance company and ask if they have a mail away prescription program, and which of your prescriptions are eligible. Often, 60 or 90 day supplies of your medication can be obtained through an insurance company's mail-away program for the same co-pay you would pay for a 30 day supply at a traditional pharmacy.
11. If you have generic medications- ask your pharmacist what the generic price would be without insurance. One of my medications is less than $4.00 for a 30 day supply of generic medicine, but I have a $15.00 copay. I stopped using insurance. Also, shop around at wholesale warehouse pharmacy for generic or non-covered prescriptions- you may be surprised.
12. Antibiotics? Publix and Meijer are giving away free 14 day supplies of the following antibiotics to anybody who has a prescription (regardless of insurance status):
    
    * Amoxicillin
    * Ampicillin
    * Cephalexin
    * Ciprofloxacin
    * Erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab)
    * Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP)
    * Penicillin VK
13. Contact your pharmacist to ask them who makes your brand name medication. Every pharmaceutical company has a program for individuals who need assistance paying for medications. Applications can be made to the company or to a clearinghouse that handles several companies such as Partnership for Prescription Assistance.
14. Research organizations that related to your disorder specifically. Many times there are grants available to help with prescriptions or co-payments.
15. Save your receipts for co-pays, insurance premiums, prescriptions, and any medical supplies purchased such as needles, test strips, hot and cold packs, etc. If your doctor has recommended it, it is deductible. Save it for tax-time.

Tips & Warnings

• Be persistent, polite, and assertive when dealing with physicians and advocating for yourself.
• Don't give up, keep researching. Check expenses and ways to save periodically.
• Applications for utility baselines can be tedious- they are only one page- but getting a doctor signature can be time consuming. However, it can save you thousands of dollars a year- so it is worth it.