Five ways to control expenses while protecting your health

Getting affordable medical care is a challenge for many people. Fortunately, you may be able to reduce your health care costs by taking a more active role in your medical care and maintaining healthy habits. Here are five tips to get you started.

1. Compare costs of several medical providers. The costs of procedures, treatments and medications can vary widely by provider. When your doctor recommends a treatment, ask how much it will cost you, and feel free to shop around or negotiate for a discount. Sites such as Healthcare Blue Book compare prices charged by hospitals, physicians and labs.

If you’re paying some or all of a bill out of your own pocket, you’re likely to be charged much more than an insurer or Medicare would pay, so consider asking for the insurer’s discount. Other simple strategies for reducing health care costs include carefully scrutinizing your hospital bills for costly errors, avoiding emergency room visits unless you are facing a true emergency and asking your doctor or pharmacist about generic versions of your current medications. Continue reading How to reduce your health care costs →