Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Kick unhealthy habits (e.g. smoking)
Have regular checkups
shop at around for health insurance
If you don't have job-sponsored health insurance,
you may be looking to obtain coverage on your own. To get good coverage
at an affordable price, shop around. Because premiums change widely,
you'll probably save money if you get quotes from several companies.
appraise each plan's coverage and features, taking into account
exclusions, limitations, and the freedom to choose health-care
providers, among other things. Also find out how much you'll finish
paying out of pocket in the form of co-payments, coinsurance, and
deductibles, because even relatively small amounts of money can really
add up if you make most often visits to your doctor.
bring down the cost of prescription drugs
Prescription expenses can eat up a large allot of
your budget if you take prescription drugs regularly. Fortunately, it's
not hard to find ways to save money. For example, try ordination your
prescriptions through the mail, using a traditional or online pharmacy.
If you belong to a prescription drug plan (e.g. through your health
insurance), you may be able to get a three-month render of your
prescription drug through the mail for the same price you would pay for
a one-month supply at your neighborhood pharmacy. You can also ask your
pharmacist or doctor to recommend a less-expensive generic drug whenever
possible.
check into your medical bills
Medical bills are often confusing to read.
However, taking a few minutes to go over the charges may save you money
in the long run. Check to make sure that the bill accurately reflects
the procedures you have undergone and takes into account any applicable
insurance coverage you may have. Some mistakes, such as wrong computer
codes, are common, and you may be billed for health care you never
standard. Contact the appropriate billing office if you think you've
found a mistake. If you've received an explanation of benefits from your
insurance company that you believe is wrong, ask the company to review
your claim.
Join your partners health plan
Many married couples maintain separate health
insurance coverage even though it may not be cost effective to do so.
Examine both your coverage and your spouse's coverage to see if it makes
sense for either of you to join the other's plan. Keep in mind that most
plans allow you to add a spouse to your plan within a certain time
period after you get married (e.g. 30 days). Otherwise, you may have to
wait for the plans' annual open enrollment period.
continue track of your medical costs
Come tax time, you may be able to deduct certain
medical expenses if you itemize, and your total medical expenses exceed
7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Allowable medical expenses
include everything from health-care services to medical aids (e.g.
eyeglasses, hearing aids). Keep track of these expenses if there's a
probability you'll be able to deduct them on your income tax return.
talk terms a rebate with your health-care provider
Many people don't bring in that you can sometimes
negotiate to lower your medical bills. While it may not always work, it
doesn't hurt to ask your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy if they're able
to come down in price. Before you begin to negotiate, do a little
research to find out what other health-care providers in your area are
charging. You can also ask your health-care provider if they'll lower
their price if you pay in cash up front.
put up to a flexible spending account
Your employer may offer a flexible spending plan
that allows you to put pretax moneys in an account. You are then
reimbursed for your out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as prescription
drugs, dental care, and co-payments. Because flexible disbursement
contributions are taken out of your pay before federal and state taxes
are calculated, you get to use pretax dollars to pay your medical bills.
Take vantage of free health screenings
If your health insurance doesn't provide enough
coverage in some areas, or if you don't have any health insurance
coverage at all, you may want to look into free health screenings. Local
clinics and hospitals often provide a variety of screenings, such as
blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms.
Get to know your health care policy
Your health insurance may get across more than you
think. Nowadays, insurance companies often provide benefits designed to
help you stay safe and healthy. For example, you may receive price
reductions on vitamins, alternative medicines, health club services, or
bike helmets. You may also be surprised at the range of coverage your
health program offers. For instance, it may include dental care for
young children, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Read your plan
membership materials to find out what products and services are
available through your health plan before you pay for them on your own.
