Episode Summary:
In this episode, we share ideas and tips for challenging typical medical insurance norms so you can save money on your medical expenses. Most people think there’s only one path for all of their medical expenses if they have traditional insurance, but that’s just not true. In reality, there are many ways to save on medical expenses, whether through your traditional insurance or outside the traditional insurance ecosystem. We share 10+ tips and tricks for saving money on your medical expenses, from more well-known tactics like using an FSA or HSA to less common tactics like leveraging GoodRx for online doctor’s visits and paying the cash rate versus your medical insurance’s rate.
Episode Notes:
We talk through many creative ways you can save on medical expenses:
- Leverage an FSA for any medical expenses if you’re eligible, so you can save pre-tax dollars to cover medical expenses.
- Leverage an HSA or Health Savings Account if you’re on a high-deductible plan.
- Ask if there is a cash rate is for medical services and consider paying cash versus using your insurance.
- Leverage mail-order prescription services.
- Leverage Teladoc services.
- Find out what services cost before you go in for a service; don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Use GoodRx for their applicable services, and save on prescriptions and doctor’s visits.
- Plan ahead about the timing and spacing of non-time-sensitive medical expenses.
- Check your bills thoroughly to make sure you’re getting charged correctly.
- Research and ask questions on covid-tests, immunizations, and other related services.
- Avoid going to an Urgent Care office unless it’s critical.
- Avoid going to an Emergency Room unless it’s truly an emergency.
- If you’re a part of a blended family, get as many kids as you can on the same medical plan, even if they move across different households between parents.
- Consider a hybrid approach to who’s on what plans across our household.
- Consider not having dental or vision insurance and instead just paying out of pocket as you have needs, or explore signing up for a services plan at your local provider’s office.