How to Lower Your Medical Expenses

In this hard time, medical expenses are one of those sky-rocket bills that we are all dreaded to receive.

With so many people are out of jobs, and living way below poverty level, they are forced to skip the necessary health care.

However, you don’t have to cut out visiting your doctor completely.  You can help lower the medical expenses with these five tips below.

Talk to Your Doctor

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Communication is one of the best things you can do to help yourself.  For example, I could not afford to pay for a new pair of glasses all at once, and my old pair is just not working anymore.

Upon talking to my optometrist, she was willing to help by allowing me to make install payments. Open up the communication line sometimes will benefit you.

Find Free Clinics

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is available in most states, and local cities.  They can provide immunizations, flu shots, and testing, such as TB, at a low price.

Teaching universities and hospitals are also good sources to get medical care on the “pay what you can” basis.

Check out these places if you have a non-emergency needs before making a trip to your doctor’s office.

Cut Down on Checkups

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If you are on a long term care, you can ask your doctor about making less frequent visits.  For example, if you see your dentist every three months, you can ask if it is possible to see him/her every five or six months.  In the meantime, do your best to take care of your teeth such as flossing, and brushing more often.

Of course, if it’s urgent, you must seek medical attention right away.

Utilize Free Testings and Screenings

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If you don’t have health insurance, you can make use of free testings and screenings offer at many different locations.  Check your church bulletin or newspapers.  My church offers cholesterol check and high blood pressure testing every three months.

Sometimes, the department of health or hospitals also provides free cholesterol check, high blood pressure, and diabetic testing.

Using these services can save you hundreds of dollars a year!

Use Generic Brands For Your Medications

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If your doctor prescribed medications, make sure to ask  him/her for the generic equivalents to the medicines that you should take.

Personally, if my doctor prescribes a new kind of medication, I often ask for free samples first.  This way, I will find out if I am allergic to the medicine or not before I spend money filling it. 

Moreover, many pharmaceutical companies also offer low or no cost assistance programs to help low income families.  You can try to contact the makers of your medications to apply.

Desperate time calls for desperate measure, but your health care should not suffer!  Take care of your health, and it will take care of you.