When it comes to healthcare, the bills can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to pay for healthcare that can save you money. From paying in cash to using concierge medicine or even telehealth, there are now more affordable options than ever before to get adequate healthcare. Here are some easy ways to cut costs and save you money.
Pay in Cash
Many people are uninsured or underinsured. And sometimes, even with insurance, there are a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. Paying in cash can save you big money in the long run. Doctors’ offices usually have separate rates for patients who pay out of pocket versus those needing to bill the insurance company. They do this as a courtesy because it saves them a lot of time and hassle that comes with getting paid by insurance companies.
Use Concierge Medical Plans
Concierge medical plans may be more expensive, but they offer many benefits. You’ll have increased access to your doctor. You can get all-inclusive care for everything from prescription drugs to preventive care, which could save you money in the long run. Concierge medical plans are generally easier to use since there are fewer steps when scheduling appointments or getting prescriptions filled and paid for. They also tend to offer greater rewards for referrals and loyalty programs. It’s a great solution for people without insurance and can often be a more affordable option.
Browse Your Plan’s Network
If you’re on a high-deductible plan, it’s important to know what your plan covers. Most plans offer a network of doctors and hospitals where you can get care at a discounted cost. If you have a preferred provider on your plan, there are likely benefits such as lower copays or coinsurance amounts. If there isn’t a preferred provider in your network and you need to go out of network for care, this means that the services will be billed at full price and may not be covered by insurance. If you must see a specific doctor and there isn’t a comparable one in the network, you may be able to get your insurance company to cover it.
Stay in the Network
You may have to pay more if you go out of network. If you see a doctor or use a hospital that is not in your plan, your care will be more expensive. While it’s important to have the freedom to choose whatever doctor and hospital you want, doing so will likely result in higher costs for you. If you want to save money, then choosing in-network care can help.
Consider Telehealth
One of the best ways to get the healthcare you need without breaking your budget is through telehealth. Telemedicine is a growing field, with many different kinds of services available. In some cases, you can access doctors and nurses who are hundreds or even thousands of miles away—all while you’re sitting at home. Some people prefer telehealth because they don’t have time to travel to their doctor’s office or clinic on a regular basis. Other people don’t have health insurance coverage at all, but still want quality care for themselves or their children in emergency situations such as an asthma attack or fever-related illness.
Additionally, telemedicine care is often covered by government insurance programs including Medicare and Medicaid. This can be especially helpful for people who receive disability benefits as it can save them a lot of money out of pocket while still counting toward their deductible.
Order Prescriptions Online
A great way to save money on medications is to order your prescriptions online. Online pharmacies are convenient, cheap, and can help you get discounts and free samples. Most online pharmacies offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Some go even further by offering free delivery on all orders. Many online pharmacies offer free consultations with their doctors via phone or email so you can ask them any questions before you buy your prescription medication. You may even qualify for discounts on your medications especially if you can purchase more than one month at a time.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on healthcare costs can alleviate stress and make it more affordable to get the care you need. This means that you’ll experience a better quality of life and stay healthy longer.