8 Easy Ways To Save On Health Costs
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011We’re all looking for ways to save money. But scrimping on your health is not the answer.There are a few tricks to approaching your personal health spending that might surprise you. And save you money. Talk to your geriatric care managers about your health spending and be sure to mention these cost-cutting tips when discussing your senior care services.
Use these 8 tips and tricks to save money without short-changing your health.
Heck No We Won’t Co… Pay
The new health care law provides for free preventive tests by participating Medicare providers. Included are wellness checkups, mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings and bone density, Pap and other tests that used to require a 20 percent copay. Check with your Medicare-participating doctor.
Cheaper Prescriptions
You can get up to 30-days worth of generic prescriptions — with no enrollment fees — at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger and Target. Other chains also have $4 programs but may charge fees. Find local offerings at medtipster.com.
Hearing Aids
Lions Club International, the Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program and the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s Hear Now program all sponsor recycling campaigns that help the financially needy obtain hearing aids.
Members Only?
Not when it comes to buying pharmaceuticals at low-price warehouse clubs Costco and Sam’s Club. They sell prescriptions to anyone.
Your Eyes
Free exams and a year of follow-up by volunteer ophthalmologists are available to many seniors. Visit the website EyeCareAmerica.org for more information.
Getting Fiscal
If you’re joining a health club, see if it offers a per-visit plan. Despite good intentions, most people work out only about once a week, and overpay with monthly or annual memberships.
Closing the Gap
If you entered the Part D coverage gap this year, you’ll get a 50 percent discount on all brand-name and biologic drugs you buy while you’re in the gap. Over 10 years, you’ll gradually receive more discounts on generics as well as brands until the gap closes in 2020.
Smile! You’re Saving Money
If your whitening strips are too big for your teeth, cut them in half horizontally. Two for the price of one!