3 Easy Tips for Making Health Insurance Out-of-Pocket Expenses Cheaper

Matt King Health Insurance Editor

As you may have noticed, your health insurance coverage may be getting more expensive every year, as employers are covering less and health insurance companies are charging more. Many consumers see these changes in the form of increased deductibles and extra fees for medical procedures and prescriptions. It’s common to receive your “explanation of benefits” letter shortly after your doctor visit and see what’s covered by your health insurance company, and just how much of the bill you’ll have to shoulder. Surprise! Try to control the surprise with the following helpful tips.

1. Stay Within Your Health Insurance Network

You most likely have a primary physician that you see, and when any of your conditions require outside help, this primary doctor will refer you. Most people don’t understand the implications of the specialist being in or outside your health insurance network. You need to ask your doctor or their office manager/receptionist if the specialist that you’re being referred to is within your network. If the specialist is not within your health insurance network, you need to explore options with your doctor to perhaps find one that is, or have a crystal clear understanding of how much you’re going to have to pay out of pocket. If you have questions about your coverage, always call your health insurance company. You can generally find the phone number on the back of your health insurance card.

2. Consider Convenient Urgent Care Facilities for Minor Emergencies

Imagine, it’s the weekend and your 4 year old has an unbearable ear ache and you’re not able to get an appointment to see your doctor. Many parents would go to the local hospital emergency room, and fail to take advantage of Urgent Care centers that are much quicker and cheaper. If you’ve ever been to an emergency room, you’ll find that you’re waiting time will be hours and your subsequent bill will be in the hundreds of dollars. On the contrary, urgent care facilities are often faster and cheaper!

3. Choose Generic Drugs When Given the Option

This is an easy one. For many common prescriptions, there is generally a generic prescription option that’s available at a much cheaper price. When your doctor issues you a prescription, ask if it’s going to be expensive and if there’s a generic alternative. Interestingly, a lot of the large discount stores like Walmart and Target are beginning of offer dirt cheap prices for some common prescriptions.

Additional health insurance discounts resources:
5 Questions to Ask About Your 2012 Health Benefits

Yahoo! Finance Health Insurance Center