Coping With Health Care Costs

DO:

Know your insurance options. Do you want a high or low deductible? Can you get more affordable coverage through your spouse’s employer? “When considering a plan, look at your age, health and family status,” says Sandra Colon, patient accounting director at the hospital.

Consider disease-specific plans. Some insurers offer plans to cover conditions like cancer or heart disease. And, they may offer a cash benefit that goes directly to you (not the hospital or doctor) when you need it for medical and related costs.

Stay in your network. Seeking care from doctors or hospitals who accept your insurance will save you money. Get guidance. An accountant can help you make decisions about insurance and medical bills. Lehigh Valley Hospital’s financial counselors help uninsured and underinsured patients find coverage.

Look into PACE and PACENet. If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for these state-run plans offering discounted co-pays on prescription drugs. (Eligibility is based on income, not assets.)

Ask your pharmacist how to economize. (It may cost less to pay out-of-pocket than through your insurance.) Some pharmacies offer their own discount prescription plans. Buy generic drugs. Once a drug’s patent expires, it can be manufactured under a generic (versus brand) name and sold for much less.

Follow doctors’ orders, especially with medications. More than 10 percent of hospitalizations occur because people don’t take the correct dosages.

Practice wellness. Eat healthy, exercise and get your regular checkups.

DON'T

Don’t go without insurance. You may save money shortterm, but you’re vulnerable if faced with a health crisis.

Don’t fall for scams. Some people advertising “affordable” insurance aren’t selling insurance at all. To find out if an insurer is reputable, call your hospital’s business office.

Don’t take herbal medications without consulting your doctor. These unregulated products can interact with other drugs you’re taking.

Don’t go to the emergency department for basic health care. Emergency visits cost much more than a doctor’s office— even if you have insurance. They also create delays for people with true emergency needs.

Never skip tests or treatments. It could worsen your condition. Talk to your doctor about other options and payment plans.