It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the healthcare system is completely in shambles right now. When you combine this with the every increasing cost of coverage and medical expenses, you are truly looking at a bad situation.
Even if you have insurance through your employer you are probably finding that you have to pay more out of pocket every time you visit the doctor. This is because your employer is trying to shield themselves from these increasing costs of insurance by pushing more of the costs onto their employees. It doesn’t help matter if you have a sick kid with a serious health condition or you yourself are sick. So, how can you go about reducing your healthcare costs?
Compare Plans
When it comes time to re-enroll for insurance each year most people just stick with the same plans. After all, this is the quicker and easier thing to do. Plus, you are already familiar with the coverage. Well, this is the wrong approach, as plans are frequently changing. Doctors are usually added and removed from coverage options. The lists of medications covered by the plan are often changed. Switching to a new plan might prove more fruitful for you. Take the time to look at all the plans and see what is and isn’t covered.
Steer Clear Of Low Premiums
It is always tempting to go with the lowest premiums. A premium is what you are going to pay each month for the insurance. Unfortunately, this is just one part of what you are going to pay for coverage. Low premiums usually come along with high deductibles. A deductible is an amount that you will have to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. If you don’t visit the doctor often the low premium/high deductible will be your best option. However, if you are constantly at the doctor, you will save yourself some money by going with a high premium/low deductible. Just remember that you can always find a head and brain injury lawyer in the event that you are injured by a negligent doctor or in a car accident.
Know What They Offer For Free
If there is one good thing you can say about healthcare over the years it has to be the Affordable Care Act. The only problem is that most people aren’t aware of this act. The act states that as long as you stay within your insurance’s network you will be provided with a variety of free preventive services. These no-cost services can prevent future health problems and you would be surprised to learn what kinds of services are offered. You can get free colonoscopies, vaccinations, nutrition counseling and depression screening.
Look For Tax Breaks
Another great way to lower the cost of your healthcare is by taking advantage of a flexible spending account or a health savings account. It is possible that your employer doesn’t offer these types of services, but if they do you should take advantage. These types of accounts allow you to set aside tax-free dollars into a special account. The money that is accrued in this account can then later be used to cover yours out of pocket medical costs.