How to Handle Health Care Costs

Rising health care costs often make it challenging for some of us to stay healthy. Without proper insurance coverage, how can you afford to take care of a sick child? How about routine visits for physicals and other tests and exams? And, if you find yourself or a dependent in need of surgery, how will you pay for it? Having coverage, whether it’s government-assisted or not, is a must. But, there are ways to keep those costs under control. Consider the following:

• Know your plan. Many of us pay for plans we don’t understand. It’s important to read your plan so that you can take advantage of all of your benefits. You may be able to afford prescription glasses for your son or braces for your daughter. But you must get the gist of your plan to see what it’s offering under the plan. Make sure you aren’t paying more to use a doctor outside the plan’s network. Understand terms like “deductible” and “co-pay.” Save money. Read.
   
• Chip away at your payment. The higher your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance covers you), the lower your premium (your regular payment). So if you’re young, healthy, single with no children, you might switch to a plan with a higher deductible to lessen what you put out each month. Some annual check-ups may come out of your pocket.
   
• Comparison shop. Unless you’re lucky enough to have your employer pay 100 percent health coverage, even their plan may be too expensive. Check out websites such as www.ehealthinsurance.com where you can compare and contrast what’s available.
  
  
• Don’t fear generics. Save money on prescriptions by asking your pharmacist about a generic alternative. Compare prices with different pharmacies, including online varieties such as those offered at www.drugstore.com.
   
• Speak up. For expensive procedures, ask about a payment plan or try to negotiate as best as you can. It never hurts to find out what’s available.
   
• Find free or nearly free services. Some clinics offer sliding fees, which means they let you pay what you can afford. Often these clinics offer a full range of medical and dental services. To find one in your area, go to www.ask.hrsa.gov/pc. You may also be eligible for a program that offers free or low-cost mammograms and Pap smears; for more information, click on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp). Lastly, check out dental schools in your area that may have cost-saving clinics.
   
• Get help. Look for government-assisted programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare. These programs offer low-cost care to those who qualify. Research your options at www.cms.hhs.gov or visit www.medicare.gov.