I’ll admit it—when SHARE asked me to write about how to save money on health care, I was stumped. From where I stood, I couldn’t see the forest through all the trees! However, after breaking the task into smaller pieces I began to see a few tips:

• Practice healthy living by establishing and maintaining a healthy life. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Quit smoking and kick those other unhealthy habits. Take advantage of preventive care that is offered by your health plan.

 

• Cut the cost of your prescriptions. Use generic drugs whenever possible. Use mail-order pharmacies, as you often get several months’ supply for the cost of one or two months.

 

• Keep track of your medical expenses for tax time, including hearing aids, glasses, health care services, insurance premiums and prescriptions.

 

• Shop around for health insurance providers and participate in a Health Savings Account if you have the option.

 

• Check your insurance company’s calculation of your family deductible. Be sure the insurance company is adding all your family’s expenses and you’re not each paying toward your deductible. The same thing goes with the annual out-of-pocket limit.

 

• Watch your hospital costs. Schedule surgery for early in the week to avoid weekend stays. Have pre-operation tests before you’re admitted to shorten the hospital stay. Check the hospital procedures that you’re being charged for. Ask for a detailed breakdown of your hospital stay. Use a 24-hour urgent care center instead of the emergency room.

 

• Monitor doctor’s fees. Check with your insurance company to find out what they consider to be “reasonable and customary” fees. Tell your doctor you want to make sure the fee is covered by your insurance. Many will agree not to charge more than that. When changing physicians, have your new doctor get copies of your records.

 

The skyrocketing costs of health insurance are becoming a national crisis. These tips are basic and will help in the short run. To truly solve the problem, all Americans will need to take some action. You have a choice: Speak up with your elected officials or continue to wonder how you’ll ever see the forest through the trees…