How To Cut Medical Bills
In spite of your best efforts, you'll probably have some
health problems someday. Here are some of the best ways to
lower your medical bills:
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How To Cut Medical Bills 
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Time to complete:
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Money you'll spend:
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What you'll get:
| Save many thousands of dollars over your lifetime by taking these tips to heart. |
List of cost-cutting tips:
- Join An HMO: It's less expensive than
traditional fee-for-service health insurance. U.S. News
& World Report Magazine maintains HMO Rankings that can help you pick a good HMO
in your area.
- Get High-Deductible Health Insurance: It saves
you money, and the high deductible will motivate you to watch
your medical costs carefully.
- Get Low-Cost Medical Help: Local government
Health Departments often offer low-cost physicals, immunizations
and tests.
- Generic Drugs: Always ask your doctor to
prescribe generic drugs. They are just as effective, and
much cheaper. Ask for free samples, because many doctors
have a large supply.
- Second Opinions: If your doctor recommends an
expensive medical procedure, ask lots of questions about
it. Ask about new, "minimally invasive" surgical techniques
that cost (and hurt) less. Get a second opinion from
another doctor. About 25% of second opinions recommend
against an operation, and propose an alternative method with good
prospects for long-term health.
- Less Expensive Options: Never assume that your
doctor will recommend the cheapest option. Studies show
that many hospital stays are not medically necessary. You
can often save hundreds of dollars by avoiding unnecessary
overnight stays in a hospital. Often, the doctor just wants
to "observe your condition." If your health is solid, a
loved one can be just as good at watching your condition.
- Check Your Medical Bill: A recent federal study
found excessive charges in 99% of all hospital bills.
Insist on daily bills, which will let the hospital
personnel know that you're a watchful patient. Look for
duplicate charges, phantom charges, unauthorized items, and
poorly explained items.
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