Treatment isn’t free
I begin this post by invoking a phrase that often sends a direct, and sometimes rather harsh, message to particular audiences: “there is no such thing as a free lunch.” The same thing can be said about medical attention, meaning, there is no such thing as free medical treatments or medication.
Some time or another, all of us will need medical treatment. Whether it would be for simple colds and flus or for more serious illnesses. Whatever the circumstance, these incidents would hurt us and hit our pockets hard.
According to various studies, Americans spend more money on medical expenses than any other nationality in the world. As prices get higher and life gets harder, saving some money off your medical expenses will definitely be beneficial to you. In view of that reality there are some pointers discussed in the following paragraphs that could prove helpful, so read on.
Take care of your health
Prevention is always better than treatment. Being fit and healthy might seem to be a 21st century fad but it wouldn’t hurt us to jump on that bandwagon. An analysis of the 1987 National Medical Expenditures Survey revealed that people who are more active spend less on medical expenses than those who live lethargic lives. This analysis equated the benefit of being physically active to $330 (1987 dollar value) per person.
For smokers and drinkers, reducing cigarette and alcohol consumption is an option which you may find feasible. You will not only reduce future medical costs but also reduce direct costs from purchasing these products. This about this simple calculation: At $5.00 per pack of cigarettes per day, your cost per month just for cigarettes is, $140.00 which is enough to pay at least one utility bill and perhaps two.
Buy generic
These days generic drugs are just as effective as the brand names; so true is this that major supermarket chains and Chain Drug Stores like, Rite Aid and Walgreens are producing their own brands and competing with the traditional brand name manufacturers. Patents have been used by manufacturers to to set a price so as to recover their costs in developing their products.
However, these patents don’t last forever and generic versions of the drugs have been made available in more varieties. Fact of the matter is, generic drugs are basically the same as the brand name drugs in the sense that ingredients and quality are very much the same.
Going generic can save you a lot of money. According to the Association of Chain Drug Stores, the generic drugs are priced at $24 on the average in 2004, while the average price of the branded ones is $96 dollars. That’s a significant difference for any consumer, but especially to those who are on fixed incomes or others trying to adhere to a budget.
Heed your doctor’s advise
Take time out to discuss things with your doctor, since exercise this can also save you a lot of cash. Don’t be shy to ask your doctor about possible alternative drugs you can ingest. Ask if there is a generic drug that you can take if s/he prescribes a branded drug for you. If you are going to have surgery, try to schedule wisely, so as to prevent overstaying in the hospital.
And most importantly, do as you are told by your medical expert. If s/he asks you to quit your vice, quit it. If s/he tells you to be active, then you’d better be! Medical expenses can really dig a hole in your pocket. Try to be wise in your medical transactions and more importantly, take care of your health.