A recent article in
RNcentral.com provides 25 tips on how consumers can save money on health care services – even if you do not have health insurance. Here is a brief summary, but be sure to checkout the entire article for additional information and helpful resources.
Medical Care
- Take advantage of walk-in clinics
- Consider alternative therapies
- Try using a nurse practitioners instead of a doctor
- Research medical tourism
- Check out a health fair for free routine screenings
- Volunteer for medical school clinics
- Use phone medical services for less complicated issues
- Avoid the weekend
- Review your bill for errors
- Negotiate your bill
Prescriptions and Equipment
- Shop around and compare prescription prices using resources like Consumer Reports, the AARP or the Medicare Rights Center
- Buy store brands for over the counter medications
- Request generic prescriptions
- See if you qualify for freebies
- Double up on medication
- Cut your medications in half
- Get creative. Work with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you can't find a lower cost solution to your prescription drug costs
- Reuse and recycle. Friends, neighbors or even a church group may have equipment that can suit your needs at a greatly reduced cost
- Shop for frames at retail stores or large chains instead of the eye doctor’s office