Your Health and Wellness Savings Guide: Must-Have Money Saving Health Tips

Your Health and Wellness Savings Guide: Money Saving Health Tips

Want money-saving health tips for the whole family? Click here for your health and wellness guide to save more all year long!

Healthcare costs are climbing with no end in sight. You're paying more year over year with no relief on the horizon.
Health and wellness expenses have ballooned to over $3.5 trillion in the US. That's an average of over $10,000 per person.

Everyone is desperate to find a place to trim costs and keep prices low. Lucky you -- we're going to give you some tips and tricks to save some cash on healthcare.
Keep reading to discover the must-have money-saving health and wellness advice that's going to keep you and your wallet in perfect shape!

Shop Around for Insurance

When signing up for health insurance, do you just pick the cheapest plan and go? Or take the most expensive option thinking it offers the best coverage?
Next time open enrollment comes along, think about your healthcare needs before just blindly picking a plan. You might be paying too much straight up or later on.

For example, if you go with a plan that's cheaper up front but are frequently sick, your copay might be higher. Go with a plan that's pricey but never use it, that's money down the drain.

Buy Generic

Have a prescription? Generics often work just as well as the big name brand but offer significant savings.
Simply ask your doctor or pharmacist to see if there's a cheaper alternative. One question could end up saving you a lot of cash!

Stop Smoking

Smoking is a lot of things -- distracting, disgusting, and addictive. But it's definitely not healthy.
Make this year the year you stop smoking and you'll find your health savings racking up. You'll save money from not paying for packs, your insurance will go down, and you'll feel better all around!

Get it in Black and White

Do you double check your medical bills for mistakes? If not, start doing so every time you go to the doctor.
Ask for an itemized bill so you can see what exactly you're paying for. Here are some things to look out for:

• Non-billable services
• Wrong dosage on the medication
• Supplies or tests that you didn't receive

Keeping an eye out for extra charges might end up saving you more than you think. Be vigilant and get your bill in writing.

Big Box Savings

Some big box stores, like Costco, offer medicines at lower prices than other places. They also require memberships to shop there -- or do they?
Places like Sam's Club, Costco, etc., might make you become a member to shop with them, but not for prescriptions. Take advantage of their low prices on medicines.

Find Pharmacy Coupons

Believe it or not, there are coupons available for many common medications. Sometimes they're available through your doctor, other times you can find them online.
Do your research and you're sure to come up with some pharmacy coupons to help lower the price of your prescriptions.

Don't Take Every Test

You might feel that a doctor-prescribed test is necessary. It isn't always the case.

Ask your doctor if any medical tests they ask you to take are absolutely necessary. At times, doctors will ask you to take them and there's no need.

That can end up costing you money in the long run if you end up having to take more tests. Having an open and honest discussion can bring some perspective to the situation.

You can be the source of the unnecessary tests too. Don't worry yourself by doing research online and asking for procedures you don't need.

Prevention is Best

One of the best ways to save on health and wellness? Preventing illness in the first place.

As we mentioned before, stopping smoking is a big key to getting healthy. Not starting is even better.
Eating well, getting check-ups regularly, and exercising will contribute to keeping you in perfect health.

Enroll in Wellness Programs

Many workplaces offer health and wellness programs that can lower medical expenses. Are you taking advantage of yours?

These health programs might offer discounts on gym memberships, can lower insurance, premiums, or even pay out bonuses. Check with your work to see if they have any programs for you to enroll in.

Stay Away from the ER

Sudden illness and accidents can happen at any time. When they occur after hours and your doctor isn't available, it's tempting to just go to the ER.

ER co-payments might be much higher in other places. Try an urgent care clinic or walk-in clinic if your emergency isn't life-threatening.

Don't Let Health Issues Build Up

Up front doctor costs might be expensive, but if you need to go, don't wait. Compounded illnesses end up costing you more in the long run.

One small cough might not seem like a big deal. It can become a chronic issue, then snowball into pneumonia, and then you land in the hospital.

If you're not feeling well, don't let your healthcare costs get out of hand.

Negotiate Healthcare Costs

What can you do if your insurance doesn't pay for a service? You might be tempted to just give up, but sometimes, you can negotiate with your doctor.
Talk to your medical provider about what you need and what you can pay. They might be able to get you a discount for paying with cash or put you on a payment plan with little to no interest.

Ask for Samples

Another easy way to reduce out of pocket expenses on medications? Ask for samples.

Many times, doctors have samples on hand and give them out when asked. You might even end up getting enough to cover a few months worth of prescriptions!

Keeping Health and Wellness Costs Low

These are a few of the many ways to reduce the cost of health and wellness expenses. Start planning all the ways you're going to spend your extra cash!

Looking for more ways to save money on healthcare? Want to learn more ways to stay healthy?

If you want to stay healthy and save money, then check out our many https://www.selfgrowth.com/healthfitness_articles.html" target='_blank' health and fitness articles!