Even with the ever rising costs of health care benefits there are things that everyone can do in order to help hold costs down.Here are some tips for saving money on health benefits-
- Shop around for the best plan-When selecting a health plan, it is important to not just choose the one with the lowest monthly premium or the one you used before. You should keep in mind that benefits can change significantly every year as well as your family’s health needs. The best way to begin bargain-shopping is to jot down your family’s average number of doctor visits per year, routine prescriptions, dental cleanings, and other services. Then you can compare what you would pay over an entire year for these items on each plan. Be sure not to forget to include monthly premiums and deductibles.
- Consider joining a discount club-If you do not have dental insurance, you should look into plans that function as dental-discount cards. Participants (dentists and other providers) in these plans agree to give members up to a 60 percent discount. Keep in mind that you will pay a monthly membership fee (ranging from about $12 to $30), and you will probably need to pay cash at the time of service. Be sure to check each plan’s coverage in your area since some regions have fewer participating providers than others.
- Join the Farm Bureau-You may be surprised to find out that you do not need to be a farmer to join your state’s farm bureau. Simply by paying an annual membership fee (usually less than $50) you become eligible for all sorts of benefits that include discounted group health insurance in some states. If you or your spouse is self-employed, this might be the solution for you. For more information, simply type “farm bureau” and your state’s name into your Internet search engine.
- Always have a safety net-Many people find themselves in trouble with huge medical bills because they did not plan ahead. If you or your spouse are switching jobs and have to wait for your new health insurance to kick in, you should ask whether you can extend your policy from your old employer. (Keep in mind that the COBRA law requires some, but not all, companies to let you.) If it is not possible to keep your old plan, you should consider buying a short-term family insurance plan so you are never without coverage. The major benefit to these policies is that they are relatively inexpensive and can usually be activated within a day or two. A quick search online can let know which ones are available in your area.
- Always take advantage of the extras-Your health plan may be offering valuable services you do not hear much about, so be sure to poke around its Web site to learn what’s available. Some carriers, for example, have nurses on call 24/7. These medical professionals can tell you how to safely remove a splinter or whether or not your child’s cold symptoms warrant an immediate doctor visit (and another co-pay). Some plans may also offer discounts on acupuncture, gym memberships, massage treatments, and weight-loss programs.
- Always get regular checkups-This is important for both you and your child.You should not skimp on well-child checkups just to save money. These exams are usually inexpensive or are fully covered by insurance, and they help your doctor detect health problems early. Routine vaccines will also lower your child’s risk of illness and your risk of facing high medical bills. The same goes for adults since many routine exams find problems at the earliest stages when they are the most treatable and the cheapest to take of.Preventive care can not only save you money but may save your life or the life of someone you love.
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