Sneaky Inside Savings Tips

I’ll be posting new savings ideas every Sunday–I was trying to think of some catchy name, like “Super Savings Sunday” or “Sunday Savers Club” or “Stupid Efforts To Rhyme Something With Sunday.”  Sorry, I have to do too much of that crap on our radio show.  Let’s just call this “Come By on Sunday and I’ll Give You Some Good Saving Tips,” okay?

Anyway, starting with Health Care:

If you’re covered by an insurance plan, you’re considered one of the “lucky ones,” ironic, I think, since the average American family has to shell out a galactic $5,560.00 per year just in payments–and that’s not counting the deductibles and your out-of-pocket percentages.  If you’re one of the many families seeking employment, the situation’s even more dire.  Here’s some ideas and resources:

Dental: One of the most overlooked because of it’s expense, and unless you’ve got an abcessed tooth, easy to ignore.  But since tooth disease can affect a host of other systems, most terrifyingly the heart, you need to keep up on it.  First option is a discount dental plan, where for $100 to $200 a year, you can get fairly significant discounts on dental work.  You can visit dentalplans.com to find one that you can afford. Always ask if there’s a discount for paying cash!  Many dentists will try to work with you, like having a tech do your x-rays to save their fee.  The second option is a dental college–most have clinics staffed by second and third year students that can offer basic services like cleanings and x-rays.  Call 312.836.9900 (Oral Health America) to find a location near you

Women’s Health: Just like in college, before you had insurance sister, you’re going back to Planned Parenthood.  All controversy aside, these clinics offer excellent services for Pap smears, birth-control prescriptions, even a flu shot!  The fees will be minimal and often PP clinics work on a sliding scale, according to your income.

General Family Health: Here’s one you may not have thought of–using a retail clinic for non-emergencies.  Most pharmacies at places like Walgreen’s and CVS are staffed with nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants, who can treat minor items like a flu shot, sore throat or rash for less.

Prescriptions: Let your fingers do the walking–just like the old phone book ads, but this time online.  Compare and contrast local pharmacies to online.  Ironically, locals tend to be cheaper.  But make friends with your pharmacist and ask about discounts.  Most will price match to keep you.  Plus, all the big chains are offering incentives right now to get you to switch.  Another important asset is a discount pharmacy card: it’s free and can save you up to 75% per prescription.  Go here to take a look or sign up. 

Specific maladies, like diabetes, depression, etc: There’s a host of free studies and equipment offers to help you save money.  There’s free “One Touch” meters to test your blood sugar here.   Free Prilosec for gut issues here.   Help for anxiety and panic disorders here.   High cholesterol?  There’s assistance here. 

Shopping for a better rate: If you do need to buy your own insurance, there’s search engines to do the work for you, they’ll track who can offer you the best rate on your family’s requirements.  2Insure4Less claims to save you up to 40% off your quoted rates, you can find out more here. 

Hope this is helpful, next Sunday: food savings!

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Tags: Health Care savings