7 Ways to Save Money on Your Health Care Costs

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By Sandy Wood, CEBS, VP of Operations, GHB Insurance

As insurance premiums and associated costs continue to rise, you may be asking yourself how you can stay ahead of the curve. Did you know the average person spends $2,600 a year in copays, deductibles, and coinsurance every year? By changing your habits, you can at least control these out of pocket costs.

1. The switch is on.

Save money by switching from a brand name to a generic drug if you can. And are you taking a “nonpreferred” drug? Choose a preferred one and you will be saving every time you fi ll that prescription!

2. Get your oil changed.

You take your car in for maintenance, why not your body? Plans include coverage for preventive care, such as a physical and lab tests and most now cover these at 100%. Catching something at the early stages can reduce your cost and your stress.

3. Mail Order is not just for cool gadgets!

If you take a drug every month, consider purchasing it through the mail. You can have it delivered to your home or work location. Typically you can save a month’s copay every three months!

4. What’s up doc?

Are you asking the right questions during your exam? If your doctor is asking for tests to be run, are you asking why? Before you go in for your visit, check out www.webmd.com for helpful hints on questions to be asking (check out the “symptoms” link).

5. Breaking up is not hard to do.

Did you know that some drugs can be split in half, and that the cost of a 20 mg tablet can be the same as a 40 mg tablet? Ask your doctor if any of your drugs can be split, and if so, get a new prescription and start saving!

6. Get technical.

Most insurance companies have links on their websites to help you manage your health. From discounts at gyms to nurses available via phone 24/7, use all the tools that are out there for the taking.

7. Live long and prosper

Of course, keeping yourself healthy goes a long way to lowering your healthcare costs. Eating a balanced meal, regularly exercising, and limiting alcohol all can help you stay out of the doctor’s office.

For more information, contact author Sandy Wood at sandy@ghbinsurance.com or call 800.789.5011. GHB Insurance, the broker for the products in the Thurston County Chamber’s Benefits Trust, is located at 556 Lilly Road SE in Olympia.

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