| In order to keep more money in your pocket, you need | | | | have to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in. |
| to shop around for the best coverage, help keep costs | | | | Choose generic medications whenever possible. If your |
| low to begin with, ensure adequate cash reserves and | | | | doctor prescribes an expensive brand-name drug, ask |
| have a backup plan. Start reducing your health care | | | | if a generic option is available and advisable for your |
| costs with the ideas below. . | | | | condition. If not, contact the pharmaceutical company |
| Plan ahead. Find out what's covered in a policy. Check | | | | that manufactures the medication. Many have |
| and compare deductibles and copayments before | | | | assistance programs to help patients get the |
| purchasing a policy. Signing up for one that doesn't | | | | medication for free or at a reduced cost. |
| include the drugs you are taking or won't allow you to | | | | Make sure you don't pay for a procedure you never |
| see your current doctor can leave you liable for a | | | | had. When your doctor recommends a procedure, ask |
| good portion of the bill. Compare insurance plans online. | | | | for the current procedural terminology (CPT code) a |
| Know how much you actually are liable for. An | | | | number such as 01210 for anesthesia for hip joint |
| insurance broker can explain anything in your policy | | | | surgery. Then double-check your bill and make sure |
| that is confusing and point out any restrictions that | | | | the CPT codes matched those your doctor gave you. |
| might cost you money later. | | | | Pay for expenses out of pretax dollars. This way, the |
| Explore possible providers. Before selecting a hospital, | | | | money you need to pay for medical care will be |
| explore web sites to compare charges. Costs vary | | | | budgeted by you, you'll determine the amount you |
| widely from state to state. | | | | want taken out of your paycheck. You also reduce |
| Check the network. Choosing doctors and labs that | | | | the gross amount of pay on which your tax amount |
| are in your insurance company's network keeps costs | | | | will be calculated. Consider participating if your |
| for office visits and services down. If you're thinking of | | | | employer offers a pretax flexible medical spending |
| purchasing any discount insurance cards, double check | | | | account. |
| the validity in your area. | | | | Set aside money for unexpected life events. By |
| Weigh the pros and cons of HMO and PPO | | | | funneling funds into a savings plan, you'll have a cushion |
| health-care coverage to determine which is the best | | | | in the event of a medical crisis, the loss of your job or |
| option for you. With an HMO you have to stay within a | | | | split with your spouse. Online savings plans offer higher |
| network of doctors and providers. You always have | | | | percentage rates than brick-and-mortar banks. |
| to see your primary physician before you can see a | | | | Take good care of yourself. Comply with your |
| specialist, and he or she has to give you permission | | | | doctor's orders regarding your medication regimen, |
| before you can make an appointment with that | | | | rehab or physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, such |
| specialist. There are no claim forms to deal with, and | | | | as altering your diet, increasing activity and getting |
| copayments generally are lower. With a PPO, you | | | | enough sleep. |
| have more freedom of choice and access, you don't | | | | Speak up and ask for help. If you find yourself unable |
| need a referral to a specialist, and you can go outside | | | | to pay for any service, be honest with the doctor's |
| the network. The biggest disadvantages are the cost | | | | office or billing department. Never be embarrassed. |
| is more expensive if you go outside the PPO network, | | | | Most of the time a payment plan can be worked out. |
| copayments generally are higher and sometimes you | | | | |