Healthcare on a Budget From: Lance Phillips September 01,2009
Click on the Train for Life logo below to view the video: "Healthcare on a Budget"
Noteworthy Nuggets:
Even when your budget it tight, you should not stop seeing your doctor. It’s important to keep the long-term consequences in mind.
Check around your community for free health screenings that are offered occasionally by local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and places of worship.
Participate in any disease management or wellness programs offered by your health plan or employer. These programs are usually available at little or no cost to you and can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Cutting costs wherever you can is a good idea these days, but saving money to the detriment of your health is not wise. Even when your budget is tight, you should not stop seeing your doctor. It’s important to keep the long-term consequences in mind.
Shira Capellini, a health services researcher, explained, “Don’t stop going to your doctor for preventative screenings and routine checkups. The money that you spend up front is small compared to what you might have to spend if you don’t catch something early.” That said, there are a number of ways you can keep your healthcare costs under control.
If you are unemployed:
Look into extending your previous health insurance coverage with the COBRA program.
Check around your community for free health screenings that are offered occasionally by local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and places of worship.
Take advantage of services provided by your local health department.
If you have no insurance, make it a point to call your doctor’s office before your appointment to learn the fees for any services you need. Some physicians will offer payment plans or they may be willing to negotiate discounts.
Making your health a top priority will help you deal better with the considerable stress that can result from being out of work. Things as simple as eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can keep sickness at bay and stress in check.
If you are employed and have health insurance:
Verify that your doctor and other healthcare providers are in your provider network—this could save you from expensive out-of-network charges.
Participate in any disease management or wellness programs offered by your health plan or employer. These programs are usually available at little or no cost to you and can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
When your primary care physician’s office is closed and you or a family member needs immediate medical attention for a condition that is not life threatening, visit the nearest urgent care facility to your work, home, or children’s school. Urgent care facilities are less expensive and typically have lower copayments than hospitals.
Taking a more proactive role in controlling your family’s healthcare costs will allow you to save money, and it will also give you a better understanding of how the healthcare system works. Increasing your health literacy in this way will help you get the best value for each healthcare dollar you spend.
