lower out of pocket costs

7 Ways to Help Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs

By Robert Health Insurance

Knowing how health insurance works and what costs you might incur for medical services may help lower out-of-pocket costs.

Your health insurance plan is critical when it comes to keeping your health care costs low. 

When shopping for an affordable health insurance plan, it’s important to know what makes a plan affordable to you, specifically. Finding a health insurance plan that fits you and your needs doesn’t have to be painful. I make choosing a health plan simple!

Find quotes, compare plans and get covered. Click here to search now!

Here are seven ways to help lower out-of-pocket expenses: 

Putting these seven strategies into action can help lower out-of-pocket costs.

1. Stay in-network

It’s important to understand your plan networks because they affect how much you pay for care and prescription drugs.

Provider network: You’ll pay less when you use doctors, clinics, hospitals, and health care professionals in your provider network. Always check your network before you seek care.

Pharmacy network: You can get prescription drugs at a lower cost when you use a pharmacy in your plan network. Always check your pharmacy network before you fill a prescription.

Note: You will pay more, or even the full cost, for health care services and prescription drugs outside of your plans network.

2. Get preventative care

Many health plans pay the full cost for essential preventive care. These regular exams, screenings and immunizations can save you a lot of money because they can prevent or catch problems early when they are easier to treat.

3. Consider other health care options

Urgent care, telemedicine or a call to a nurse line could save you a trip to the emergency room. Getting the right kind of care at the right time can save you time and money.

4. Save money on medications

Generic drugs are approved by the FDA and cost less than brand-name versions. In addition, they contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and often work just as well.

I can save you money and reduce your high prescription drug costs by matching you with a plan that truly meets your needs.

5. Make the most of wellness programs

Many health plans offer programs and discounts to help you quit smoking, keep fit and assess your health. These programs can save you money and help improve your health.

6. Take care of yourself

Taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle can help you feel better and lower your out-of-pocket health care costs. 

Here are some ways to take charge of your health: 

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Get enough sleep
  • Increase activity and move more
  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Keep your weight under control

7. Choose the right health insurance plan

Care that costs more may not mean it’s better. And the cheapest care may not always be the best choice. 

If your family expects to have high medical bills, then paying a higher premium in exchange for lower out-of-pocket costs may be a smart choice. On the other hand, if you’re relatively healthy, a high-deductible plan with lower premiums could save you money.

If you decide to go with a high-deductible plan, you should check if you are eligible for a health savings account, known as an HSA.

Pick the Right Health Insurance Plan

Nowadays, several tools and resources are available to reduce the cost of medical bills. It starts with picking the best health plan for your family and ends with committing to a healthy lifestyle. However, finding the right coverage for your family can be challenging with so many plans on the market. 

When comparing policies, consider the following:

  • Premium: Often paid monthly, the premium is what you spend to purchase the policy.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket for care before your policy begins to pay for most medical costs.
  • Copayments: Usually a flat amount paid per visit or service.
  • Coinsurance: Represents your portion of the bill, typically assessed as a percentage of the billable amount.
  • Network: The health care providers and facilities that accept the insurance policy.
  • Coverage: The care covered by the policy. Some services must be covered by law, but others, such as dental and vision, are optional.

Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Costs Today

Looking for money-saving health insurance options? I can help. As your independent insurance agent, I will help you shop and compare cost and quality.

To learn more about how you can lower out-of-pocket health care costs or find the right health insurance plan for you, call my office at 1(912) 660-5236 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation appointment.

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