One of the expenses many couple have to include is health insurance. If you neglect having suitable insurance, it can not only lead to serious health consequences, but also can ruin your financial life. A visit to the ER can average $361- $1262 according Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. In Florida an emergency room visit can be just under $1900!
Here are a few tips on how to cut your health car expenses.
Check Online to Find and Buy Health Insurance
E-healthinsurance is a site that allows you to compare prices of different policies. Keep in mind while you are no doubt looking at the price; don’t let that be you’re only guide. If you’re paying a low price, but get nothing in return, then you’re losing money. Look at the deductibles and co pays.
Questions to Ask with Heath Insurance
As with every other policy, please read the fine print and ask questions. You don’t want to be surprised with a huge bill because your insurance policy doesn’t cover certain medical expenses.
- How much can I pay for my premiums? Since everyone is on a general budget, try to figure out what you can and can’t afford before you start shopping. Health insurance costs vary, so double check your options.
- What is my deductible? The deductible is what you pay before the health insurance company will pay the rest your bill. The lower deductible the higher your monthly premiums.
- What is my coinsurance? Coinsurance is your portion of the bill that you pay after the deductible has been met.
Document who you spoke with and when in case there is a discrepancy down the line.
Habits to Develop to Lower Health Costs
While you work with finding a good and an affordable health insurance plans, you should look some other factors you can control to lower expenses. Some are harder than others, but they are all completely doable.
- Quit Smoking:This habit can cut your life short and it has been linked to other health problems. This in turn leads to higher costs.
- Exercise regularly: Try being active 3x a week for at least 20 minutes. You may also want to consider participating in an amateur sports league to get yourself committed to a routine.
- Watch what you eat: Obesity can increase your chances of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
- Get a hobby: Hobbies can reduce the stress that you feel. That in turn can help your mental health and enrich your life.
- Go for generic drugs when possible: Some drugs are available in generic form at less than half the cost.
- Do routine exams: It’s better to catch something early than to wait until it develops into something worse.
- Try health clinics: If you’re pinching pennies, this could be a good option. With my health insurance, I pay $30 a month for birth control pills. By going to the university health clinic, I pay $40 for 3 months’ supply. I save $240/year just by doing that.
Please talk to your doctor before you go on a diet or change medications. They are in a great position to assess your health condition and recommend a plan that can work for you. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and it’ll reap dividends beyond money saved. It’s amazing how much health insurance companies charge even if you’re in good health.
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