Medical expenses are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the US. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine how best to deal with healthcare bills. After all, healthcare services are often vital, and it’s simply unwise to forgo treatment in an effort to save money. You can’t put a dollar figure on a clean bill of health. The good news is that there are ways savvy individuals can cut down on healthcare expenses –– without putting themselves or their loved ones in jeopardy. Here are four examples:
Read the Fine Print
Even dedicated professionals working at medical facilities may make mistakes from time to time. As such, it makes a lot of sense to go over medical bills carefully. Ensure that you’re only paying for services, treatments, and drugs that you’ve actually received. Medical expenses are pricey enough without any phantom costs to bog you down!
Negotiate
Contrary to popular belief, patients can negotiate certain aspects of their medical bills. For instance, it’s possible to request “generic” prescription drugs as opposed to “brand names” that accomplish the same goal but are significantly less expensive. Furthermore, most medical facilities are willing to work with patients to form payment plans that suit their income. So simply speaking to someone in a facility’s billing office can offer you some serious short-term (and potentially long-term) medical-debt relief.
Sign up For Quality Insurance
Not all health insurance plans were created equally. Indeed, some healthcare plans specifically cover certain treatments and extend coverage beyond “standard” policies. While common health insurance plans offered by employers may work fine for some people, it’s possible that looking at alternatives could save you money in the long run. Remember, health insurance is an investment, and the more extensive the coverage is, the less you’ll have to worry in the event of an emergency.
Preventative Treatments
Just because everyone gets sick from time to time, it doesn’t mean that individuals can’t take steps to preserve their well-being. Preventative tests and vaccinations can help people avoid some potentially serious issues. A few examples include facilities that vaccinate against diseases like malaria, and local STD screening centers that test for HIV and other venereal diseases. However, it’s worth noting that some insurance plans don’t cover these preventative measures. Even still, these tests are often worth the initial cost!
Final Thoughts
Falling into debt –– particularly as a result of healthcare costs –– can be a frustrating and discouraging experience. The good news is that the tips laid out above should help you manage medical expenses more effectively.