With health care costs steadily rising and family budgets contracting, financial and health care experts recommend that consumers take control over their medical costs. Most urge being relentless in asking questions, searching for alternatives and maintaining self-discipline.
Consumers should shop for better prescription deals, says Devon Herrick, a health care economist at the National Center for Policy Analysis. They should also consider therapeutic alternatives and generics, and compare prices among local pharmacies and reputable online sites.
For instance:
If lab work is needed, Herrick suggests shopping around, calling at least two labs to get test prices in advance. Consumers should also check prices for both cash and your insurance plan’s negotiated rate. Paying upfront and filing insurance forms yourself may save significant costs.
Lastly, try cutting hospital visits altogether. Doctors say many chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes can be prevented or managed through free health fairs and diagnostic facilities to avoid hospitalisation:
Source: Jason Roberson, Put health care costs under the knife, Dallas Morning News, November 26, 2008.
For more on Health Issues: http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_Category=16
FMF Policy Bulletin/ 02 December 2008
