Four Ways To Manage Health Care Costs

Tips To Help Keep Expenses Down

No matter your health care needs, you’re bound to have some expenses to manage. Here are tips to help keep your spending in check.

1. Take advantage of telemedicine.
   Life gets busy and you don’t always have time to wait for an appointment. Telemedicine works a lot like seeing a doctor in person, but without the travel time and the waiting. Contact your insurance carrier to learn more about your telemedicine options.

2. Get care in-network.
   Your medical plan may offer in-network and out-of-network benefits. When you use in-network providers, you get care at a discount. With out-of-network care, you’ll usually pay more. (This doesn’t apply to those with Medigap plans as they aren’t restricted to a network of providers.)

3. Stay healthy with preventive care.
   Practicing preventive care is essential to managing your overall health. Many preventive services, like annual physicals, immunizations, and even some preventive drugs are provided at no cost to you. Consult your doctor to schedule the right services based on your age and risk factors.

4. Use generics instead of brand-name drugs.
   Generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name drugs and they’re often your lowest-cost choice.