Affordable Vaccinations

Most counties and cities offer free children's vaccinations through the Health & Human Services. Given the fact that most vaccinations can cost almost $100, you may want to call to see what services are offered and if you can take advantage of them. One county has a minimal fee and another gives the shots for free. Keep careful records of all vaccinations as they are required for most school-aged children to enter certain grades.

Discount Lab Tests

During a recent annual physical, the physician recommended some basic tests for cholesterol, thyroid, complete blood count, etc. These blood tests are great health indicators for many illnesses, but can be quite expensive. The office manager quoted me a price of $265 which did not include the $15 draw fee (to take my blood) or the $10 administrative fee. I found the same test, called a Women's Health Test on www.HealthOneLabs.com for only $85. I ordered the online test, downloaded a lab requisition form, went to my neighborhood lab testing office to get my blood drawn and my lab results were ready for me the next day when I logged back on to www.HealthOneLabs.com website. Convenient and it is the same approved lab that my physician's offices uses. Since my cholesterol was high, I can get a repeat test done for much cheaper, so I have put more money back into my pocket.

High Prescription Costs

Many of the physicians have no idea how much a prescription costs. Rightly so, the give you a scirpt based on the performance and efficacy of the drug for your condition. However, as a consumer, you may need to ask a few questions or get a few substitutes for the prescription. Before I switched to a HSA, I used to get my daughters monthly prescription for $40. That was my copay and I never knew how much was subsidized by insurance. Paying out of pocket, the pharmacy gave me the price of $175! I asked the pharmacist for the names and prices of medicine that would be suitable for the condition so I could discuss them with my pediatrician. After a few discussions, the pediatrician gave me a new prescription which cost $40 and has the same results. Related to this is an upcoming blog on why our health insurance premiums are so high.

High Deductibles - finding affordable health care

Many employers are now offering the high deductible health insurance to their employees. If you have one of these plans, most likely, you are a cost conscious health services consumer. That is, you will ask how much a physician visit will cost, the lab fees and any prescriptions before you even make an appointment. Many times the office manager doesn't know and asks you to discuss fees with the physician. I have found the physician doesn't know their price either because all charges are handled via insurance negotiated rates. Ask for the cash price and be persistant! It's much cheaper for them to accept a cash price and not submit to an insurance company for reimbursement, but you must ask and ask again. Using my health insurance negotiated rates for a dermatologist initial visit cost me $170. When I asked for a cash price, it was only $85. The savings are mine, just for asking.