20 ways to save medical money






For most Americans, medical care is a priority for people and economically. Unfortunately, billing errors from providers combined with the high climate costs of health care services, health insurance premiums and necessary medications can create real financial concerns. The good news is that there are ways to keep your medical costs high.


Choose suppliers and prices
According to the United States Census Bureau, most Americans (about 86%) have health insurance to pay for most of their health care services. However, even if you have health insurance, you can still compare the health care store like any other purchase. Here are some tips on how to choose a provider and a price before getting unexpected or larger plugs than expected.


1. Use network care providers. If you have a PPO medical insurance plan (optional provider option), your insurance will cover many costs (excluding your copayment) when you use a doctor or hospital that is part of your preferred insurance company's network. However, if you use a doctor or hospital without a network of providers, you will have to pay a large portion of the fee. PPOs generally pay up to 70-80% of total out-of-network costs.

2. The cost of an online research service. As Americans pay more for their health care costs, "third-party" health infomediaries, organizations that advise consumers about treatment and provider options, are coming to the scene. Limited rates for medical services are available online from many sources, including: consumer websites (such as HealthGrades.com and The Leapfrog Group), individual hospitals and insurance companies, and the federal government. When you get a diagnosis or recommendation for a particular procedure, do some research online to become a more informed customer.

3. Ask for the cost of the process / service. You may be surprised to learn that you can ask your doctor to give you the estimated cost of the procedure or service before scheduling the appointment.

4. Ask for options. Ask your doctor if all recommended tests or procedures are necessary for treatment, especially if you have to meet with a client who pays a lot or pays.

5. Request a discount before receiving services. You may need to negotiate a lower price for health care services, especially if you are looking for a procedure or treatment provided by many other providers in your area.

6. Find a health care lawyer. Health care attorneys who can provide information about local care options, help you get care and resolve payment problems with your insurance company and / or health care providers.

7. Pay in cash. While doctors can reduce their annual income, their offices often lack the resources. Medical offices will generally reduce the cost of paying patients who pay in cash because it eliminates the need to apply for insurance and pay credit card fees.

Cost of substance abuse
There are many ways to save money on prescription drugs:

8. Use a medication administered by general medicine. Since the FDA reduced restrictions on pharmaceutical companies that specifically advertised to consumers (called DTC advertising) in 1997, the American people have been anointed with multi-million dollar advertising campaigns that promote drug and brand therapy. According to ConsumerReportsNationalResearchCenter, generic drugs are as effective and safe as name drugs and are often less expensive.

9. Get medications by email or from major retailers. Sometimes you can find medicines offered at discounted prices in kindergarten stores like Sam's Club, even if you are not a member. Some supermarkets that sell and offer special discounts (excluding health insurance) such as $ 4 for a 30-day purchase or $ 10 for a 90-day purchase of popular 300-400 drugs. You can also ask your doctor to recommend an email pharmacy where you can get a larger subscription package (for example, a three-month referral instead of a standard one-month supply) for less.

10. Ask your doctor if there is an appropriate alternative (OTC). Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you if there is an over-the-counter medication that can treat your symptoms in small amounts.

See payment errors
When was the last time you checked your medical bills? Nine of the top 10 loans contain excessive amounts, according to a New York Times report based on a report from the US Government Office. UU. Reduce the likelihood of paying too much for medical care by doing the following:

11. Request payment costs. The EOB statement (benefits) of the statement you receive in the publication does not contain a detailed classification of all costs charged for services and / or durations. Request the invoice that is presented specifically to know exactly what you are being charged.

12. Review debts for errors. Make sure you have access to all services, treatments and other bills. If you notice a discrepancy or error, request copies of your medical history and / or pharmacy book to compare the doctor's instructions for services with what they have charged.

13. Ask your health care provider's payment office and your insurance company to evaluate your medical expenses. Insurance claim processors can make mistakes that lead to unfair payments and even the services and medications they have received. Your health care provider's claims administrator can review your case and correct any payment errors.

14. Review your insurance benefits letter. Copies of your paid health insurance policy that are "covered" compared to "not covered." All covered costs must be paid by the health insurance company. The EOB form you receive from your insurance company will know if the service was covered or not.

15. Establish relationships with payroll office staff. Many medical offices have a billing staff or a finance department that answers all questions and concerns of patients and deals with insurance companies. If you have problems with your medical bills, schedule an appointment with your doctor's office. They should be able to review your debt, explain about health insurance services, guide you to other resources to maximize your insurance benefits and help you find more affordable medications and services.

16. Seek the help of a paid billing reviewer. If you cannot make head or tail codes and cost invoices, consult a paid billing reviewer who knows the hospital's diagnostic and procedure codes and can see if you were improperly paid or overpaid for the care you received. .
Medical Expense Management
Reducing your medical bills or restructuring your payment plan can be much easier if you are willing to take a proactive approach.

17. Discuss with your doctor's office. You can usually get a discount on services by simply asking. In today's competitive healthcare industry, customer retention is a long-term provider experience. It doesn't hurt to ask for a discount to get your business.

18. Create a payment plan. If you cannot pay your bill in full and on time, ask the billing office staff to work with you to create a plan that allows you to make smaller and more manageable payments for a longer period.

19. Talk to your insurance company. If you have trouble paying your medical bills, there may be a health insurance plan that best suits your needs. Payments, deductibles, annual premiums and other payments can vary greatly between plans.

20. Establish a health savings account. If you have a high-cost health plan, you should consider opening a health savings account to save for things that your health plan will not cover. The money that you or your employer deposit in the account is tax free, taxes are increased and the money you take out of the account is tax free, as long as it covers the relevant health expenses.
Final thoughts
By taking the time to familiarize yourself with the benefits of your insurance, look for discounted services and medications, review your bills and work together with the payment of health workers or financial staff, you can manage and significantly reduce your medical expenses.

Health savings accounts may be another way for some people to reduce health care costs. Some employers also offer meal plans or expense accounts that can help cover various medical expenses.

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