6 Strategies to Save Money on Medical and Dental Care
The cost of medical and dental care is a major concern for many individuals and families. However, if you are lucky enough to have medical and/or dental health insurance, there are number of great strategies to save money and to keep some of your hard-earned money where it belongs – in your bank account.
Here Are 6 Strategies to Save Money on Medical and Dental Care:
- Read Your Policy Carefully. This will give you a better idea of what is covered – and what is not. For example, a yearly physical is often paid for by most insurance providers. For children, well-baby exams on a planned schedule are normally covered, as well. Knowing what your options are can help you be proactive in terms of your family’s health – and is also easier on your wallet.
- Get Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly. If you have a dental policy, use it. Dental bills can be as pricey as medical bills especially when more-involved procedures like root canals or extractions are involved. Regular cleanings twice a year are standard on many plans – and that type of preventative maintenance can help avoid larger problems down the road.
- Follow the Medical Advice You Receive. If your doctor tells you to lose a little weight or otherwise modify your lifestyle, do it. Losing weight lowers the risk of obesity-related conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, and hypertension. It is always cheaper to prevent illness than to treat it. Plus, you’ll feel and look better, too!
- Choose Generic Medications When Possible. Some doctors prescribe name brand products out of habit, but don’t forget to ask if generic options are available. In almost all cases, the generic version will end up costing you much, much less than the name-brand variety. In fact, some stores such as Wal-Mart offer hundreds of generic prescription options starting at just four dollars. You can save a bundle this way!
- Take Advantage of Employer-Sponsored Programs. If your employer offers a Healthcare Savings Account, take advantage of it. You can automatically contribute funds to it each pay period on a pre-tax basis, then use those funds to cover any medically related out-of-pocket expense throughout the year.
- Choose a “Doc in a Box” over the ER. A visit to the local Urgent Care Center will normally cost much less than a visit to a full-fledged Emergency Department. So, reserve the ER for serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses – and save some money on those minor cuts or colds. Many Urgent Care Centers also double as family practitioners, so the co-pay may be the same as visiting a doctor’s office instead of the higher emergency room co-pay.
Although you can’t control the high price of medical and dental care, there are a number of things you can do to limit the impact of these costs on your family.
*In accordance with this site’s disclaimer, this article is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your health.