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No Health Insurance Doesn’t Have to Mean Expensive Health Care
By Sonya Weiss
I am a full time freelance copywriter and marketer. I am also
mom to four children with a genetic autonomic malfunction.
Their bodies don’t regulate their heart rate, blood pressure,
body temperature and a host of other functions that it should.
One of my daughters was hospitalized in the cardiac unit and
later ended up needing two costly surgeries. Even though we
have medical insurance, our deductible is pretty high. Because
of the out-of-pocket costs, I’ve learned a few tips to deal with
medical expenses that might come in handy especially for writers
without health insurance.
Never take a bill at face value, especially if it’s a large
hospital bill. Errors are more common than you think. If you
notice a mistake, ask for an audit.
If you can pay cash to pay a hospital bill and the bill is a
large one, the hospital will give you a better rate. Some will
even cut the amount in half. But you won't get that savings if
you don’t ask. I asked for a reduction in one bill that was
close to $2,000 and got it.
Some pharmacies keep coupons and discount cards given to them
by drug companies beneath the counter in a binder. Ask for a
discount coupon or card. Our local CVS is great about this and
not only do they try to help patrons save money on medication,
but you also earn 2% back on purchases with the CVS card. If
the medication is expensive and the pharmacy is out of deals,
call the drug company and ask for a discount card or coupon. We
get $50 a month off my daughter’s Nexium because I asked. Astra
Zeneca allows for free prescriptions for some of their medications
even for single people. To check for help with medications, go to
http://www.pparx.org/en/prescription_assistance_programs/list_of_participating_programs
Also, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for samples.
Most doctors and hospitals enter into a contract with insurance
companies. The doctor might charge $70 for an office fee but is
contracted with the insurance company to accept only $38. Ask
if you can pay a contracted fee as if you had insurance. Ask
the same with a hospital bill.
If you’re a woman and need your yearly mammogram but don’t have
health insurance, go to
http://ww5.komen.org/Affiliates.aspx?ecid=vanityurl:3/
and you can find help through your local affiliate office. I
learned about this a few years ago when I wrote a story on a
cancer survivor and had to contact my local affiliate office for
research.
Take advantage of the free health screenings offered by your
local hospital. Again, all you have to do is ask. Find out where
they’re being held.
If you find out that you have a serious medical condition such as
diabetes and need a free meter, call the manufacturer and ask if
they have a free meter program. Most do because they want you to
use their product. Plus, they’ll give you free batteries or a new
meter when you need one.
If you ever need to travel to see a specialist and have to stay
overnight, ask the doctor if they have anything set up with a
local hotel to help cut patient’s costs. Our specialist had that
in place and saved us $150 above normal room rates for a two-night
stay.
Don’t be afraid (or ashamed-pride is an expense many of us can’t
afford) to ask for what you need to take care of your health.
BIO:
Sonya Weiss is a freelance copywriter living in South Carolina.
She specializes in Internet business marketing and is passionate
about helping people save money on health care costs.
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