Amid grave concern over rising healthcare costs, following are a few helpful suggestions designed to both save precious money and enable one to essentially create one's own healthcare plan. With advancements in technology and continued entrepreneurial spirit, a growing array of options is available to the average consumer that can help in meeting these objectives.
- Health insurance comparison Web sites
The Internet has made it extremely fast and convenient to shop around for health insurance. eHealthInsurance, just one of the more well-known and popular health insurance quote comparison Web sites, allows the user to instantly receive a number of quotes. The user receives these quotes after entering some personal information and answering a series of basic health questions.
- ScriptSave prescription drug discount cards
ScriptSave, the popular brainchild of the well-reputed Medical Security Card Company, comes in the form of a card. It may be presented at many pharmacies across the country for a discount, generally ranging between 10-20%. This discount may apply to both generic and name brand prescription drugs, as well as other healthcare-related products and services. The card is free to the consumer, and chances are likely the reader of this and/or someone s/he knows has received the card in the mail without ever having signed up for anything.
Many financial services firms and fraternal organizations offer the ScriptSave card as an added benefit to clients/members.
It is important to note that the ScriptSave card does not constitute health insurance, but rather, provides a percentage discount off the cost of prescription drugs and other healthcare-related items when presented at many pharmacies. It may be used in conjunction with health insurance for increased savings.
- The growing role of the Nurse Practitioner
More and more, small walk-in clinics are popping up in shopping malls, large chain stores, and other areas of heavy commercial activity.
In many cases, these clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners, the rank just under a full-fledged medical doctor. The benefit: like doctors, nurse practitioners can write prescriptions for patients and are often just as well-versed as doctors, but the rank provides the patient with some noticeable savings when the bill arrives.
- Eye glass chain discounts
A growing number of eye glass chains are opening shop. With many large retailers like Wal-Mart and Target now selling eye ware as well, it is extremely affordable to obtain quality eye glasses, contacts, and even comprehensive eye exams. Vision coverage is no longer a concern thanks to this competition. There are usually specials going on all the time and coupons are in many cases not required.
- $4 prescriptions
Speaking of Target and Wal-Mart, both of their pharmacies maintain an expansive list of prescription generic drugs that only cost four dollars. Wal-Mart was the first to offer such a list, forcing Target to follow shortly thereafter in order to remain competitive. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Pick 'n' Save grocery chain also sells most generic prescriptions for $4.
As more patents expire on name brand drugs, expect the $4 list to continue growing exponentially.
- Dental coverage offered directly through the dentist
Many dental offices either offer their own insurance plans or participate in joint plans with other dental providers. Depending on one's particular dental needs and how much these plans can ultimately save the patient, it may be possible to skip dental coverage on his/her main health insurance policy and instead buy into one of these plans, which are usually extremely affordable.
Aaron Scott Robertson - Journalist, author, public servant, and president of Intrepid Innovations Inc.
