In 2017, healthcare spendings in America reached an astounding amount of $10,739 per person.
For a lot of people – particularly those with employers who don’t cover this type of expenses – 10 thousand dollars is a number that’s hard to pay for. On the other hand, healthcare is something we all need and that no one should overlook.
So how can you make sure to take care of yourself and your family without breaking the bank with every visit to the doctor?
Keep reading and find out how to reduce healthcare costs.
1. Go for Generic Medicines
Generics have the same ingredients as brand-name ones. Still, you should always ask your doctor is it’s okay to take the generic version of what they’re prescribing.
If it is, don’t think twice about going for it: in 2017, generic medicines saved $265 billion in America.
You can even find some medicines at retailers, where the prices tend to be lower. So if you’re looking for over-the-counter drugs, take a look at the supermarket in your area before you head to the pharmacy.
2. Choose a Healthcare Plan Wisely
Taking some time to study every healthcare plan that’s available can end up saving you thousands of dollars.
There are plenty to choose from: individual plans, supplemental plans, short term plans, and more. Consider your budget and the kind of benefits you need and pick the one that makes more sense for your case.
3. Write Off Your Medical Expenses
Do your healthcare expenses account for more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income? If so, you can write them off on your taxes and deduct the amount that surpasses the 7.5%.
Keep in mind that this only applies to certain types of medical expenses, like payments for insulin, residential nursing home care, ambulatory transportation, and others.
4. Stay Away from the Emergency Room
Going to the emergency room for any and every reason will end up taking a big toll on your budget.
A good way of making sure you don’t make this mistake is by having an emergency care plan. Define what type of medical issues are serious enough for you to actually get urgent care and save the emergency room for those situations.
5. Take Care of Your Body Every Day
The most basic thing you can do to reduce medical expenses is treating your body the best way possible every single day.
If you maintain a healthy diet, have good hygiene habits and exercise regularly, you’ll be able to avoid many health problems and stay away from the doctor’s office.
Extra Tips on How to Reduce Healthcare Costs
Besides our five tips, there are other small things you can consider trying to lower your healthcare costs:
- Become familiar with your body and look for issues before they escalate too much.
- Focus on preventive care, instead of curative care.
- Take your medication as instructed.
- Take advantage of free or discounted healthcare services.
As you can see, you don’t have to reach the 10 thousand annual dollars we mentioned before in order to get good healthcare for yourself and your family. Learn how to reduce healthcare costs and make sure you stay up-to-date with your health without breaking the bank.
Keep exploring our blog to find out more about health and wellbeing!