Tips for lowering your health costs

Recently, I had an experience that opened my eyes to the health system. I have been fortunate to have good insurance coverage for the last 30 years. I am like many others when the cost of care does not affect my pocket; I am not a smart consumer as I should be.

We recently had changes in our insurance coverage that many of you have also experienced. We have had some significant costs out of my pocket that have taken me on a journey to be a smarter consumer.

I found a Kiplinger report "50 Ways to Lower Your Health Costs". I will share some of the advice here. I've added it as a link on the site under Resources. You can explore it further. I reach the highest points. Some people know them and others I hope you find new and useful.

Stay in your network

Insurance companies have negotiated prices with providers. You see these prices with network providers. You may also have a higher copy or Coinsurance for non-network providers and also a higher deductible and a higher annual limit.

Save at independent radiology centers

The average outpatient costs for MRI and CT scans are $ 1,384 to $ 1,668. But the average radiology center costs $ 445 to $ 725. (Information from Cigna) There may be a wide range between the highest and lowest costs in your area. [Most insurance companies have tools to help you compare the cost of x-rays and tests on different types of facilities in your area.] See your insurance company's website how to check if mpesa line is aggregated.

Ask your doctor about the cheapest facilities

Most doctors have privileges in various hospitals or outpatient surgical centers. The medical costs will be the same. However, facility fees can vary in the thousands of dollars. This was an "A-Ha moment" for me. After the fact, I was told that the medical clinic would cost 1/3 of the hospital fee. I think that's one of the reasons so many surgical clinics and centers are emerging.

Avoid the emergency if you can

You may not always be able to avoid an emergency visit. However, you may be able to go to a much cheaper emergency care or clinic. Cigna suggests using these facilities for minor cuts, burns, sprains, joint or lower back pain and urinary tract infections. The national average cost of a visit to an emergency room is $ 1,553 compared to $ 135 for an urgent treatment center and $ 58 for a practical clinic.

Decide in advance who is in your network. You do not want to hang around when you have an emergency.

Sometimes you can’t avoid a trip to the emergency room, but you can still manage the costs as best you can. It may be at the emergency room, but it is still the consumer. Triage protocols have employees who follow certain procedures. You have to express what you think is necessary.

I had something stuck in my esophagus. I called my doctor for help. They told me I needed to have my esophagus examined; go to the emergency room. After all, because he had heartburn, he had something trapped in his throat for hours, they followed the procedures and had to do an ECG. I voted and rejected the procedure. Then they would do a blood test. I also stopped for this procedure. Finally, I received the services I came to and a $ 4,500 bill. I can't imagine the cost if I had allowed them to continue without restrictions.

Sign up for special health programs

You can get extra cash or discounts on your premiums by conducting a health risk assessment or participating in a smoking cessation program. Employers are moving to motivate employees to be healthier. The Kaiser Family Foundation surveyed employers and found that more than half offer special disease management programs, others can offer a workout room in their building or pay a lump sum for a gym membership.