According to a 2018 Insurance Barometer Study, approximately 60% of the US population has health insurance coverage. The same way you can invest in auto insurance for your finances, you should also do the same for your health. After all, no one chooses to get hurt or sick. At some point in your life, you might find that you need counseling, a lab test, a doctor visit, or physical therapy. Health insurance is vital in helping you cover this cost.
In fact, the average cost for a 3-day stay in a health facility is approximately $30,000. Fixing a broken leg can cost about $7,500 alone. These are simply costs that the average family cannot afford. The premium cost will also depend on the health insurance company and the medical plan you’ve chosen.
When you’re ready to invest in a health care plan that works for you, consider these money-saving tips to help you save some bucks on your health care coverage.
1. Use Pharmacies and Doctors in Your Networks
Your health insurance plan networks will significantly affect the amount you pay for medical care and prescription drugs. These networks include out-of-network, in-network, and preferred network. In-network providers are active participants in your insurer’s network, where they charge a brokered fee. On the other hand, out-of-network does not charge brokered rates. Your health insurance agents deal with national and regional health care providers like labs, pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, and specialties to determine providers that fit into your network.
When you use a pharmacy in your plan, you will get prescription drugs at a subsidized cost. However, if you get prescription drugs out of your plan network, you will end up paying more or even covering the full cost. That’s why it is wise to rely on a health insurance company with experience navigating various medical professionals.
2. Choose High-Value Care
High-value care doesn’t refer to medical care that costs more than another, but it also doesn’t mean you have to choose cheap care. It simply refers to streamlining the process of medical care to mitigate extraneous services and products that aren’t necessary. This makes your quality of care more efficient, and more often than not, more affordable.
Take an Emergency room, for example. These medical facilities are available 24/7, and they happen to be the most expensive places to go for care. If you’re not coping with a life-threatening injury, a better option would be to go to an urgent care center. By planning ahead and discussing options with your health insurance company, you can determine the best levels of care for your specific issue.
Only use Emergency rooms when:
- You have difficulty in breathing
- You suffer from serious injuries like broken bones, cuts that bleed excessively, or burns
- You have signs of a heart attack. These include discomfort in arms, jaw, or back. Chest pain is also common
Urgent care centers are ideal when you have non-life-threatening injuries like:
- Eye injuries
- Simple burns and cuts
- Infections and skin rashes
- Strains, sprains, and minor broken bones
Doctor office visits are often for minor injuries and ongoing health needs. They may include;
- Managing your medication
- Bruises and blisters
- Flu or cold symptoms
- Vaccinations/ immunizations
- Allergy symptoms
Check if your plan includes online doctor services or 24-hour access to a nurse line. If not, you can request your health insurance company to include it in the coverage.
3. Utilize Wellness Programs
A reliable health insurance company will offer programs and discounts to help you maintain your health and keep fit. These wellness programs will boost your overall well-being and save you money. Some services include nurse lines, access to an online doctor, health guides, and fitness discounts at your local gym.
4. Take Care of Yourself
A health insurance plan will protect you in the event of sickness or injury, but you shouldn’t rely on this as your only method of self-care. It’s important to realize that taking care of yourself is one of the best healthcare policies you can invest in. Eat healthily, increase your levels of physical activity, avoid alcohol and smoking, and be sure to get enough sleep. If you live a healthier life, you might find that you’re able to stay out of the hospital more often.
Healthcare Insurance Plan Will Take Care of You
Sometimes, sickness and injuries are inevitable. When such events like these happen, all you need to do is invest in a reliable health insurance company to get a comprehensive health policy. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Key Agency Inc. today.