Even with health insurance, it’s not uncommon for individuals to fork over thousands every year for copays, premiums, and medical supplies. Not to mention deductibles when tests, procedures, and surgeries are needed.
Saving money on health-related purchases — even if it’s a few dollars here and there — can add up fast. Here are the best ways to save on various health related purchases in 2016.
Buy Eyewear Online
Depending on your health insurance plan, eyewear may or may not be covered. Even if it is, glasses are likely to always cost less online. Internet-based companies such as MarvelOptics.com provide a lower cost alternative to traditional brick and mortar eyewear stores. It makes sense – less overhead equals the ability to offer good discounts. Better yet, the website lets users essentially create their own pair of custom glasses from home, saving time and energy spent at the store.
Ask for Samples from the Doctor
The price of pharmaceutical drugs remains a sensitive subject in the US. With the whim of a large company, the cost of pills and other medicines can suddenly skyrocket for patients. There’s no shame in going to the doctor for samples when generics are unavailable or prices are ridiculous. Though not always available, samples come in handy for treating acute illnesses. A small dosage of medicine may be enough to do the job.
Buy insulin at Walmart
Those so-called friendly neighborhood drug stores down the street from every neighborhood in the U.S. really don’t want diabetics to know what’s about to be revealed. Even grocery stores would prefer it be kept a secret. Yet those who need insulin can get it for rock bottom prices at Walmart. While Walmart isn’t exactly the model for standing up for the little guys and gals, it’s a company dedicated to helping people save money, including those living with diabetes.
Optimize your Insurance Plan
Most readers are probably covered by a health plan through their employer or a spouse’s employer. Those in the US who are not are expected to pick a plan either through a state exchange, or the national exchange if their state does not provide one. Learning how to find the best health insurance plan for you is crucial for picking the best option. It’s not a simple decision. Choosing the plan with the cheapest monthly co-pay may not be the best move either. By taking an extra half hour of browsing the state or national exchange every year, one could potentially save hundreds or thousands.
The costs of staying healthy seems to keep going up. Efforts to reduce the expenses associated with health and medicine boil down to shopping smart and knowing where to look. It’s a shame those in need of healing are meant to concern themselves with money, but it’s the way the system works. A little bit of extra effort can equate to significant savings, which will undoubtedly bring a bit of peace of mind. This, in turn, will certainly serve to improve health.
