(FinancialHealth.net) – Dealing with resetting health insurance deductibles each year is a concern for many U.S. residents, especially those with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). A deductible is an amount a person must pay for medical expenses before their insurance takes over. If a plan has a $2,000 deductible, that much must come out of pocket before insurance begins paying.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has resulted in lower premiums for many Americans, but its plans often come with high deductibles. That has led to some people not getting the care they need because they can’t afford the deductibles.
Here are five tips to help you get the most from your plan:
1. Make an appointment and get your free screenings. All marketplace plans and many other plans offer free screenings for high blood pressure, some types of cancer, diabetes, depression and many other preventable diseases. Check out your healthcare policy guidelines.
2. Stay in your network. Out-of-network hospitals and doctors often cost more.
3. Ask your doctor for a discount. Many times, doctors will offer discounts to people with HDHPs. If you’re unsatisfied with the cost of a procedure, shop around.
4. Schedule high-cost procedures at the beginning of the year. If that procedure helps you meet your deductible early in the year, you can get more care before it resets again.
5. Save money on prescription drugs by asking your doctor to prescribe generic medications. Don’t be afraid to shop around for a cheaper pharmacy either. Some even offer free medications and antibiotics.
Don’t panic if you have an HDHP. Have a conversation with your doctor and see where they can help you save money. There are ways to get the healthcare you need without forgoing important, life-saving care.
~Here’s to Your Financial Health!
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