Tips for saving money
5 Ways to Save Money
- Choose wisely. Seek the right place for care.
- If you’re not feeling well but it’s not an emergency, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. A visit to your doctor costs considerably less than a visit to an urgent care center or emergency department.
- If you need care right away but it’s not life-threatening, visit an urgent care center. You’ll pay less, and may be seen sooner, than if you go to the emergency department of a hospital.
- If your condition is life-threatening, call 911 or get to a hospital right away.
- Did you know that different pharmacies charge different prices for the same medication?
They do. It’s easy to find the best price on the medications you and your family need. Go online to Web Rx to find prices offered by the pharmacies in your area. You may also find money-saving coupons. And when you can, always go for the generic. Generic drugs are FDA-approved to be equally effective as their brand name variations. - If your employer offers an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement), participate! Dollars contributed to your account are tax free and you can use your pre-tax dollars to save money on almost all medical services, drugs, prescription eyeglasses and contacts, and more. Learn more from the IRS.
- Don’t skimp on preventive care services. Annual checkups, well child exams, mammograms, routine colonoscopies and much more are provided at no cost to you.
- If you need surgery, ask your provider about their location options. Many providers work at both freestanding surgical centers and hospitals. Surgical centers can cost far less than hospitals for certain procedures.