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Actually, you want to make that happen year-round, right? Why limit the savings to November and December? Here’s how to save on your health all year long.
Cost Savings 1: Understand your health benefits.
Understanding your health benefits makes a difference between keeping your costs down and spending too much. Spend time learning about what your current plan covers and its costs.
Ask these questions:
● What providers are in-network? Which aren’t? (You pay more to go outside your plan’s network.)
● Do you know which services or procedures require referrals from your primary care physician or preauthorization from your insurance company? (It could cost you if you don’t take the necessary action.)
● Do you understand your health plan and what it offers? Call your insurance company if you’re not sure.
Bottom line: Gather as much information as possible so you know what you’re paying for.
Cost Savings 2: Save on prescription drugs.
Thirty percent of Americans say their prescription drug costs increased in the past year, according to Consumer Report’s September 2019 nationally representative survey of 1,015 U.S. adults. Those individuals who saw spikes in their out-of-pocket costs were almost twice as likely to have to make choices about whether to fill a prescription, forgo other medical treatments or tests, cut back on groceries or even get a second job.
Here are a few ways you can save on prescriptions:
● Compare prescription drug prices.
● Use your pharmacy’s savings card.
● Join a savings plan that includes a free prescription drug savings card.
● Look for coupons — ask your doctor.
● Apply for prescription assistance.
● Try a different medication or choose the generic prescription drug brand.
Cost Savings 3: Take care of yourself.
How does taking care of your health translate to health savings? Easy. The more you take care of yourself, the less you’ll spend on health care or prescription drugs to manage health problems as they surface.
Here’s how you can do it:
● Live well: Eat healthy foods, sleep enough hours, exercise regularly. Avoid drugs and alcohol, manage stress and go to the doctor and dentist for check-ups regularly.
● Tap into hobbies: What do you love to do? Dance, garden, paint, read, shop? Do what makes you happy — self-care is a must.
● Find ways to relax. Meditate, do yoga, get a massage, walk in the woods. Do what’s most relaxing to you. Meditation can even help with anxiety and depression, cancer, chronic pain, asthma, heart disease and high blood pressure!
● Be with friends. Connect with others (even if it’s virtually) to feel cared for, engaged with the world around you and part of a group.
● Spend time with yourself. Checking in with yourself lets you connect with you! Whether that sounds silly or not, spending time alone lets you get a sense of what you’re feeling emotionally. It’s easy to get caught up with all that you need to do and not give a second thought to your needs and feelings. It’s another great way to practice self-care.
● Connect with your community. When you feel connected to a broad community, you boost your connections and help boost your mental health, especially if you connect over a specific issue like parenting, caregiving and more.
Cost Savings 4: Care for your teeth.
Tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, plaque buildup can be pricey to treat — and you have a better chance of avoiding all of that by taking care of your smile.
Take a few steps to care for your teeth — they’re easy to do.
● Get the right tools. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on these types of tools. Basic dental products will give you the right care necessary, and you can find out if you need specialized supplies when you visit your dentist. In general, most people need a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles, American Dental Association-approved toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride. From there, regular brushing and rinsing twice a day — with flossing! — can keep your teeth from needing costly procedures.
● See your dentist twice a year. Even with a great at-home dental routine, it is important to go to the dentist twice a year for regular, preventive care such as cleanings and check-ups. Treating any issues right away will save you money in the long run, since dental treatments tend to get pricier as they get more serious. If cost is keeping you from the dentist, consider a dental savings plan to save 10-60% on most procedures.
● Avoid foods that decay teeth. Avoid acidic foods like coffee and energy drinks, which can damage your tooth enamel — too many citrus fruits can also damage enamel. Avoid sugars, which promote tooth decay, and keep natural sugars in mind as well.
Taking basic steps to improve your dental hygiene will help you save money over the long run.
Cost Savings 5: Choose the right insurance for your needs (and wallet) and consider an HSA.
You want to get the right health insurance and dental plan that fits your needs and wallet.
Insurance isn’t the only option. There are alternatives. Sign up for a dental savings plan at DentalPlans.com to tap into savings on exams, X-rays and cleanings, as well as most restorative procedures such as fillings and crowns. Some health plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace also include dental coverage. You may also look into the Department of Veterans Affairs or Medicaid.
HSAs (health savings accounts) help you put money into a savings account dedicated to healthcare costs tax-free. Here are five reasons to consider an HSA. You can:
● Make tax-free contributions.
● Save money with lower monthly HDHP premiums.
● Make contributions roll over year-to-year.
● Invest your HSA funds so they grow tax-free.
● Make tax-free withdrawals on qualified medical expenses.
Save on Your Health
Don’t forget that a major way you can save money on your health is to look into a dental savings plan – an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance. A nationwide network of more than 140,000 dentists offers 10-60% savings on preventive and restorative treatments to dental savings plan members. It’s a simple and smart way to get the dental care you need. And, many of these plans come with more than just dental savings. They can save you money on hearing, vision and chiropractic services, as well as prescription drugs. Learn more here.
About the Author:
Melissa Brock is the Money editor at Benzinga and the founder of College Money Tips. She loves helping people save money and live their best lives possible.
