Nearly everyone is looking for ways to save money, but they often overlook the more affordable options in healthcare.
By following these tips, you can keep more of your money in your pocket while staying happy and healthy.
Buy Generic Whenever possible, choose generic forms of both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
They are often exactly the same as their name brand counterparts, but they don't have the fancy reputation.
You will save a lot of money if you opt for generic medications, and your insurance company is likely to cover more of the costs.
Some insurance companies charge you an extra deductible if you use brand name prescriptions, but they will waive this fee if you choose generic medications.
Call your insurance company if you are not sure about what is covered by your policy.
Fill Prescriptions for Three Months at a Time Many pharmacies are making it possible for customers to fill prescriptions every three months rather than monthly.
This saves them time, so they often offer a discount for these bulk orders.
If your pharmacy does not offer this option, then see if there is another pharmacy nearby that does.
If not, there are several mail-order pharmacies that will allow you to fill prescriptions every three months.
Talk to your doctor about writing your prescriptions to be filled quarterly, and you may find that you can save a great deal of money.
Buy Used Mobility Equipment Mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers and motor scooters, can be pricey.
Since you may need one after an injury or surgery, it can be hard to find the money for a mobility device after paying for your medical bill.
In this case, consider purchasing used equipment.
Many stores offer a line of used scooters and wheelchairs for a fraction of the price of new equipment.
They often test the devices to make sure that they function properly, so you can rest assured knowing that your device will work when you need it most.
If you will only need mobility assistance for a short amount of time, then look into how much it will cost to rent a wheelchair, walker or scooter.
You will need to determine how the cost of the rental compares to the long term purchase of a used or new piece of equipment.
Visit a Medical School If you need a simple checkup or a dental procedure, call a medical or dental school in your area.
You may be able to find supervised students that are willing to do the exam or procedure for a much lower price.
It is more important than ever to spend wisely, and you can make sure that you take care of your health while saving your hard earned money.