After my husband lost his job 2 1/2 years ago, we have had to work hard to make ends meet. Here are a few of the ideas that have helped us spend less on our medical expenses.
Do You Qualify For Free Medical Care?
One of our biggest money savers has been to utilize my husband’s medical benefits through the Veteran’s Administration hospital. Yes, it takes a lot longer, but he has no job – he’s got lots of time. This one step has saved us more than a hundred dollars a month on his doctor visits, blood workups and medication. He receives excellent care and has gotten new glasses, diabetic shoes and knee braces at no cost. I recommend you check it out if this is an option for you.
Don’t Lose So Much Work Time
I changed my primary care doctor to one very close to my place of work instead of close to my home. If I were very ill, of course I would use my neighborhood doctor. But when I need blood tests or prescription refills, I go next door and use the doctor closest to my office. I use the podiatrist in my building, and the chiropractor one block away. This has saved me from taking off so much unpaid time from work for doctor appointments. I also learned to say “No” to unnecessary “follow up” doctor visits.
Save on Prescription Drugs
Regarding prescription drugs – ask your doctor for a generic brand (if one is available) for your medication. When starting a new medication, ask your doctor for samples. Let your doctor know that money is very tight and ask if there is a comparable medication that costs less. I have had great response from doctors helping me lower the costs of my prescriptions.
Use your insurance’s mail-order feature for 90-day supplies. A typical 90 day supply will cost the same as two 30 day refills saving you the cost of one whole month. If your prescription insurance will allow you to use retail pharmacies, try your local Wal-Mart or Kroger. Both offer 90 days supplies of some generic meds at $10. I transferred several prescriptions to Kroger and not only saved money on the drugs themselves, I got a credit of 50 points for each prescription on my Kroger card which allows me to get discounts at their gas pumps, and I got a $25 bonus on my Kroger card to spend on groceries for transferring a full price prescription. Gotta love those bonuses!
Prescription Discount Cards
If you do not have prescription insurance coverage, look on line for prescription discount cards. I found numerous companies offering discounted meds for “uninsured / underinsured” people. Check out www.careington.com, www.countyrxcard.com, and www.yourrxcard.com. I have to admit I have not tried any of these yet. But I have been given discount cards for a specific medication by the doctor prescribing it, or pick up a form that gives you a website to go on line, fill out information, and receive the discount card in the mail, or on a page you can print out.
This is just a few ideas that have helped us save money on doctors and medications. Just don’t stop taking your prescribed medications!