5 Ways to Dramatically Cut Your Health Care Bills

Health care bills can do some real damage on a person and family's budget and wallets. Most people think that there is nothing that they can do to save money on health care bills so they just struggle through them. But, there are several ways that you can dramatically cut your health care bills and save thousands of dollars, without compromising your health and care. Here are 5 ways that you can cut your health care bills and save you and your family money.

One way to save money on your health care bills is to choose your health care plan very carefully. When it comes time to re-enroll in your plan, don't just automatically check the box next to your current insurance plan. You need to re-evaluate your plan every year to make sure that it meets your needs accordingly. If you have a favorite doctor or a certain specialist that you need to see for a health condition that your best bet may be going with a preferred provider organization (PPO). This health care plan will give you the freedom to see any physician but will have certain in-network doctors that will be cheaper for you. If you only see your doctor once or twice a year and you are single, you may want to consider a health-maintenance organization (HMO). These plans offer a limited selection of doctors but usually they are cheaper and have cheaper fees. If you are self-employed or your work doesn't offer health insurance, make sure that you shop around before you decide on your health plan. With any plan take into consideration any prescriptions you are, how many people you are covering with the health plan, and plans for a pregnancy, and other medical conditions that you may have.

Secondly, to save money on your health care bills always question any tests or lab work done by your doctor. Doctors usually are not aware of what insurance you exactly have and what your insurance will cover. To avoid a pricey bill, bring a list of approved labs with you to your doctor's appointment. Also, check with your insurance provider before you schedule any tests such as an MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound. Make sure that you write down all the information from your telephone call with your insurance provider just in case any unexpected bills arise after the test.

The next way to save on your health care bills is to know your plan and know what to do in case of an emergency. The last thing on your mind during a medical emergency is the bills and fees that you are going to have to pay. That is why it is important that you know your plan and review your policy in advance. Check to see if you need pre-approval before going to the emergency room and also see which hospitals in your area are considered in-network. This can protect you from an unexpected and usually costly health care bill. Remember, though if's it's urgent and a matter of life and death you need to call an ambulance no matter what, but if it's something non-life threatening like a broken arm or stomach pains, ask a friend or family member to drive you to the hospital to save you some money.

Another way to save money on your health care bills is to make sure that you review your hospital bill when you get it. It is not unusual for a hospital bill to contain errors in it. Before you check out of the hospital, request an itemized bill. Numerical codes are used to bill services on hospital and doctor bills, which makes it easy for someone to type in the wrong code and charge for the wrong service. This could mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars that could be billed wrong. If you notice any unusual charges, don' t be afraid to call your doctor's office or hospital and ask them to explain it further.

The last way that you can save money on your health care bills is to find a discount pharmacy. Most big chain drug stores like Target, Wal-Mart and CVS Pharmacy sell some generic drugs for as little as $4 for a 30 day supply. Costco also fills prescriptions at a discount rate. Another option is to ask your doctor to make out your prescription as a 3 month supply and find an online pharmacy associated with your health plan or an independent one that can fill the prescription for a cheaper rate. Make sure to shop around for the cheapest rate that you can get on your prescription, especially if it is a long-term one.