It’s no surprise, health insurance helps make medical care more affordable. However, serious care may still be costly, even with good coverage. In some cases, you might still have to pay out of pocket for a substantial portion of your medical costs, but there is still hope. This article covers the top 5 ways to fight high cost medical bills and prescription medicines to help you save.
Cut High Cost Medical Bills Down to Size:
1. Shop around
In a medical emergency, you likely won’t have time to shop around or pick your preferred network doctor. However, if you need routine care or a non-emergency procedure, take the time to compare prices. One provider may charge more for a procedure than another, so calling around to see what is charged in your area is the best way to save. You don’t want to find out after the bill comes in that you spent thousands more for the same procedure offered elsewhere.
2. Stay in your network
While checking prices, make sure to stay within your health insurance’s network of providers. Going “out of network” can mean significantly higher co-pays. Out of network services could even void your coverage in some cases, leaving you to foot the bill. Do your homework on what providers are in your network. In addition, when you call a medical provider’s office for prices or an appointment, confirm that the doctor/facility accepts your insurance carrier.
3. Skip the ER
Unless your injury or health issue is life-threatening, you may want to avoid the emergency room. A trip to the ER could leave you facing steep co-pays compared to the cost of an office visit.
If you can’t wait to see your regular doctor, consider an urgent care center instead. The waits are often shorter and the cost of care tends to be less. Of course, in a serious situation, the emergency room shouldn’t be avoided just to save money. Your health should be your number one priority.
4. Double-check bills
Medical bills aren’t always accurate, and errors can occur. Errors can include charges for medications never administered, services never rendered, or double charges for care for example. Always request an itemized statement and check it carefully. If you find a mistake, call your provider’s billing department to dispute it.
5. Inquire about over-the-counter and generic medications
Many prescription medications now have over-the-counter competitors. In addition to OTC medications, generics are one of the best ways to save money on medications. If you are looking to lower your prescription costs, discuss your options with your doctor or pharmacist. If your prescriptions have such alternatives, you could pay much less than name brands.
High cost medical bills and prescription costs can be stressful and hard to manage. While health insurance is the number one way to help cover medical treatments, these tips will help you add to your savings. For more ways to save, just call us at 724-929-2300 today. Our knowledgeable, local agents can help you find the right health insurance policy for your needs. Don’t pay for coverages that don’t work for you. Find out how much you can save with CSC Insurance.