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Health care reform, government-sponsored health benefits, and numerous other topics related to the health care industry are hotly debated in Washington. Regardless, the controversy over those issues doesn't ease the day-to-day expense of taking care of myself and my family. Health care isn't cheap, and it takes time to figure out ways to save money—even if you have insurance.
Coupons for Prescriptions
While perusing various websites and publications several months ago, I started to notice a new trend. In addition to buy-one-get-one-free paper towels and free bottles of aspirin, there were also coupons for prescription medications. As long as you don't combine those coupons with insurance, you can use them at most drug and big box stores.
When my wife was diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency, for example, our private health insurance wouldn't pay for the prescription vitamins. We found a 50-percent-off coupon, however, so the bottle wound up costing us $37.50 instead of $75.00.
Insurance Exploration
Health insurance is a complicated business, often fraught with hidden fees and co-pays. Sometimes, on the other hand, there are hidden benefits as well. Just recently, I was poring through hundreds of pages of insurance documents to find a specific fact I knew existed. Buried in the tiny print was a benefit I never knew existed: We get free consultations with attorneys and financial advisers as part of our health insurance.
Health insurance companies are often massive corporations who can offer unexpected resources to their clients. I intend to read all that documentation carefully to learn what other hidden gems might be found.
Paying for Procedures and Tests
If there's one thing I've learned about dealing with hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers, it's that it pays to be firm. Administrative staff members deal with hundreds of patients and dozens of different insurance plans, so they sometimes get confused.
My wife had an MRI of the pituitary gland a few weeks ago, and the reception desk at the hospital didn't have current insurance information for her. Based on what they saw on their computer, she needed to pay $655 up front for the test, after which the insurance company would reimburse her if necessary. She knew she should only have to pay about $150, so she insisted they call our insurance company to verify her benefits.
It's important to stand up for your rights when it comes to seeking health care. Even if there is a line a mile long behind me and the receptionist is rude, I won't pay more than I know I owe. That's why I have insurance.
Comparison Shopping
I thought that, because I have health insurance, it wouldn't matter where I received treatment. I figured it would all cost about the same as long as I stayed in-network, but I was wrong.
Several months ago, I needed to have a procedure done, but my first appointment was canceled at the last minute. Because they couldn't accommodate my schedule, I had to make an appointment at another facility, and I wound up saving more than $200. From now on I'll call several hospitals or clinics before making an appointment. Every bit of saving helps.
Building Relationships
Sometimes health insurance isn't the only—or the most important—consideration in saving money. We opted not to buy dental insurance because I've used the same dentist for more than 10 years. He knows my family and he has no problem giving me a payment plan for expensive work.
Using the same doctor or dentist for health care has certain perks. Once the doctor's office knows you and realizes you pay your bills, they may be more willing to accommodate your financial situation. And it never hurts to ask.
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