Reducing Health Care Costs

Let's face it. Unless we can all come up with some very good and proven ways in reducing health care costs, we will continue to pay the outrageous amounts for our medical costs and our dental costs.

I believe it's up to each individual to take the time and research ways in which these reductions can be done. There is no sense in waiting around for the government or the medical community to change things that may never be changed.

And while we wait, a lot of us are going without the medical help and the dental help we need, so I would like to suggest a few ways you can beat the rising medical costs and dental costs, so you will at least have a fighting chance of receiving some of the help you need.

Ways To Reduce Medical Costs

1. If your medical problems are minor, call your doctor first, instead of visiting him or her. They may be able to give you free advice over the phone.

2. When your doctor writes you a prescription, ask for the generic version of the drug, then go to Walmart or any pharmacy where you can get it filled for $4 dollars.

3. Purchase any other prescriptions, medical equipment or medical test materials from a discount store where these items or less expensive.

4. If you take vitamins and other supplements, you can get those cheaper if you order them through the mail.

5. If you have a minor ailment where a doctor's visit is necessary, instead of having him or her write a prescription, ask for samples of the drug that you can take for the duration of the ailment.

6. Prescriptions that you must take, are cheaper if you order them through the mail. If your insurance company doesn't recommend one, then ask your doctor to recommend one.

7. Avoid the cost of a blood transfusion by occasionally donating blood.

8. Take advantage of the public health centers where you live. Check with them to see when they give routine screening tests and immunizations that are free. If you have to pay, it will still be less than what your doctor charges.

9. If you need minor surgery, ask your doctor if the procedure can be done in his office or as an outpatient.

10. If you need to be hospitalized, get all your test done before being submitted, they are less expensive than what the hospital will charge.

11. When you need surgery, always get a second opinion. There may be a way to do a non-surgical procedure instead,

12. A lot of medical schools also have low-costs clinics that anyone can go to.

13. If you have to be in the hospital for any length of time, talk to your doctor about home health care, instead of staying in the hospital.

14. Purchase store brand over-the-counter drugs instead of the brand name drugs. They contain the same drugs, in the same proportions, and they are less expensive.

14. Seniors can join AARP and get discounts on their prescriptions.

15. Anyone who doesn't qualify as a senior, but is facing financial problems can check with the Department of Social Services to see if they qualify for Medicaid.

Ways To Reduce Dental Costs

1. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Taking care of your teeth will eliminate the need for extractions, root canals, crowns, veneers, implants and other costly procedures.

2. If you have to chew gum, make it sugarless gum. At least this way, it can help create saliva that will cut down on the acidity in the mouth and get rid of bacteria.

3. Try using salt and baking soda instead of toothpaste.

4. For those who have a dental college in your area, ask if they also operate low fee or no fee dental clinics.

5. Always cut your hard food first, then chew it with your back molars. Don't use your front teeth for biting. You want to avoid wearing down the enamel, and an unnecessary trip to the dentist.

6. If you are having financial problems, check with the public health care services to see if they provide dental services for adults.

7. Have regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning as a preventive measure. It's less expensive than having to extract or replace teeth.

8. Invest in an electric toothbrush and a dental water jet (Waterpik) for oral hygiene. This can prevent or even reverse gingivitis.

For those of you who are still working, your company should have an insurance plan and dental plan that can help with the medical costs and the dental costs. Some companies even provide this for free.

This is a good thing for those of you who have this, but for the rest of you, investigate the ways that are listed above. Anything you can do to lower your medical costs and your dental costs will be a great savings for you.

And as I stated above, if you're having financial problems, don't be too proud to seek help from the Department of Social Services. This is what they are there for. To help people who seriously need it.

To further help in reducing your health care costs, take the initiative and begin by eating a balanced diet and getting a little exercise so you can remain relatively healthy. If you smoke, make a concentrated effort to stop! Excessive alcohol use isn't good for you either. So decide to either cut back or cut it out altogether.

There are probably more ways in which you can reduce your health care costs, but these are just a few ways to get you started. Add to the list, then put them into action. I think you will be surprised to realize just how much you can save if you do.