We may not fully understand the implications of the new health care law and its provisions; but there are some things that you can do to make things easier on your wallet, namely:
1. Find a health plan that you qualify for: Whether it is private or public insurance you seek, you need to figure out what kind of insurance is available for you and your set of circumstances. The Foundation for Health Coverage Education can help you here; their five question eligibility quiz that you can take here, offers information such as an overview of programs available, costs, a sigh up checklist, links to start applications, and other resources.
2. Find out how much Medicare will pay for the procedures: We know that Medicare reimburses hospitals and doctors for a number of different medical procedures; find out how much they pay and in which procedures. This tool here will help you figure out how much you will pay for your health care. This city and state based search tool can help.
3. Find out how much insurance companies will pay: If you want to find out all about what insurance companies will pay, look up the Health care blue book. This is a free resource that will help you determine fair prices in your area for healthcare services. Even if you are not insured, have a high deductible or need a service your insurance does not fully cover, this site may be useful.
4. Less expensive prescriptions: Very often, with drugs, generics are the way to go. It is the branded drugs that can cost you a lot more; generics are the same formulation and will often offer the same benefits. You can look for cheaper alternatives to prescription drugs at a number of places such as How to save on Drugs, RExaminier.com or Destination RX.
5. Look for the freebies: Did you know that pharmaceutical companies give away as much as 200 million dollars worth of medication to those who are needier among us? You can also ask your doctor; it is a question of ask and we shall receive. If you want to know whether or not you qualify for those freebies, look at this resource which offers information about prescription assistance programs.
6. Help with paying your hospital bills: There is a government program called the Hill Burton Program, wherein hospitals take care of people without means or of low income without charging them. There are a number of hospitals that participate in the program; to find out which hospitals are obligated to provide free or low cost health care you can go here.
Source: ABC News
