How to Cut Medical Bills

Unfortunately, the price of medical care hasn't gone down with the market. In this article I will show you some ways to reduce your health bills in tough times.

Instructions

1. The first and most obvious strategy you can use (at least with a hospital) is to simply ask for a price break. If you are making payments, many times hospitals will be willing to take a lump-sum balloon payment for less than the total amount owed. You could save up to 25 percent this way.

2. Be sure to use the right care provision facility for the type of care you need. Emergency room visits usually cost an arm and a leg; convenience care clinics cost a great deal less and can easily resolve many issues.

3. The Internet is your best friend when it comes to medical shopping. Use webmd.com to answer many questions (see Resources below). The Net can also let you compare prices on many services. Aetna and Cigna both have Internet tools that allow you to search for doctors that treat specific ailments, as well as compare their prices and services.

4. Buy generic drugs; it can save you at least a third to a half of the cost of brand name prescriptions. Using therapeutic alternatives can also save you money in some cases. Again, the Internet can be used to compare the prices of drugs across the board (check out destinationrx.com, see link in Resources).

5. Take advantage of free services such as annual mammograms and pap smear tests for women and regular cancer screenings. Many insurers also offer discounts on such things as weight loss programs and gym memberships. And going on a diet can save you money on food now, and later from the health problems that have been avoided.

6. Use the incentives provided by your employer and Uncle Sam. Health savings accounts and medical savings accounts can get you big tax deductions and free up pretax money for healthcare costs. These are some of the most efficient ways to save money on medical bills.

Resources

• WebMD
• Destination RX