Gail Carlson, MPH, Ph.D., former State Health Education Specialist, Nutritional Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
Good consumers take the time to understand the products and services they are buying. Whether you are talking about buying a house, car or health care, the quality and value of your purchase should be an important consideration. In the case of health care, higher cost does not necessarily mean better quality. Health care costs can vary greatly depending on type of procedure, where the care is provided (emergency room, outpatient clinic or doctor’s office), and where you live and receive care.
The following are 10 ways to reduce your health care costs while adding value to the quality of your health.
- Take good care of yourself. Eight out of 10 health problems are treated at home. By doing a good job of self-care you can reduce your health care costs. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you will save money on health care and treatment now and in the future.
- Practice self-examination and get appropriate health screenings. Work out a schedule with your health care provider for preventive health screenings that are appropriate for your age and gender.
- Become aware of the health risks of different lifestyle choices like alcohol and drug use, home and driver safety, and eating habits. The riskier your lifestyle, the more likely you are to have health problems.
- Know what your medical benefits cover. You need to know what your benefits are before you can use them appropriately.
- Take an active role in health care decision making. Take the time to build a good relationship with your doctor. Making sure that your doctor understands your expectations and needs can result in a more effective treatment plan.
For the complete list of 10 ways to reduce health care costs, view the full version of this article at http://missourifamilies.org/
