Whatever the prospects for health-care reform, the sick economy is going to put lots of pressure on Americans. Unemployment will be up, the number of uninsured will rise, companies will surely cut health benefits to employees, and all this stress will be, well, unhealthy.
Although there is some evidence that recessions can actually improve certain health trends (e.g., people may indulge in unhealthy behaviors less often when they have less money), it is surely true that health-related money anxiety will rise.
But there are ways to prevent and lessen health-money woes. Here are 10 to start with, along with links to more detailed explanations of how to make these changes.
1. Make a prevention resolution. If you’re overweight (millions of Americans are prediabetic and don’t know it), get your weight down to reduce your risk of diabetes. It will also help with hypertension and other problems that can cost you big. Prevention isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a good bet if you want to avoid situations that can lead to major health bills.
2. Stick to your meds. If you’re on regular medication—a statin for high cholesterol, or aspirin to prevent a heart attack, for example—take your medicine. Failure to comply (including skipping doses to save money) is a common behavior, but it can reduce drug efficacy. If you lose your insurance coverage, you may be able to find a cheaper version of the drug, and most drug companies have programs to help people who cannot afford their medicines. But don’t stop taking a med without consulting your doctor.
3. Go generic if you can. Always ask about costs when your doctor prescribes a medicine. Request the cheapest effective drug—an older formulation or generic may cost less and do the same good.
4. Find cheap, good sources of medication. There are safe Internet options, and stores like Wal-Mart offer significant savings. There are also money-saving strategies such as buying pills in bulk, splitting larger-dose pills into the prescribed dosage, and more.
5. Eat better, save more. Healthy eating and cheaper eating can dovetail nicely. Reduce portion sizes to healthy levels and move whole grains and vegetables to the “center” of your diet: You’ll save money and be healthier. Simpler, natural healthy foods—dry beans, inexpensive vegetables—are often cheaper than unhealthy processed foods. And less costly cuts of meat can have more flavor when cooked properly. For hundreds of easy, healthy recipes, visit Health.com’s new Recipe Center.
Next page: You can bargain with a doctor’s office?
Comments (25)
Don’t eat out as often!
———————
http://www.czechyoself.com
Your life is worth living.
Reason number 10 is something many people are not familiar with. If you feel awkward talking to your doctor or hospital there are professional medical bill negotiators who can represent you. INSNET,LLC will review and negotiate any medical bill exceeding $200.00. They charge a percentage of the amount saved, with no fee if there is no savings. Visit http://www.myinsnet.com for more information.
I HAVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITES. I HAVE TWO NEW KNEES AND ANEW RIGHT SHOULDER AND MY LEFT SHOULDER WILL BE DONE IN FEB, OR MARCH.BEEN A CARPENTER FOR FORTY YRS. LOOKING FOR PAIM MED. THANK YOU TIM
Some great points here. The other thing to remember is choosing the right health cover( http://www.savingtoinvest.com/2008/10/health-care-plans-10-tips-on-choosing.html ). The more informed you are about your coverage options and their costs, the more equipped you will be to make the best choices for you and your family for the coming year.
Hi! A Great Post. I was just playing with blogs. i was really excited.
I have found tons of good information on cutting costs and saving money here:
http://news.primerica.com/public/news/primerica-presents-tips-spend-less.html
FtKuAb buy carisoprodol cheap online bloghoster Alprazolam is hydroxylated in the liver to ?-hydroxyalprazolam, which is also pharmacologically active but much less so than the parent compound.
rHdH4B bilgin manisa soma In June 2007, the European Commission approved low-dose (2.
NpzzrY super boost xanax bars Most of the drug is bound to plasma protein, mainly serum albumin.
2XcGJj aura soma metatron
CLMgXG aura soma metatron Reports of severe depression are frequent.
3dDX2g hiro soma playing drums Reports of severe depression are frequent.
eHmK4A bilgin manisa soma Most of the drug is bound to plasma protein, mainly serum albumin.
FHxpEY combining xanax and ambien To avoid the inconvenience of a man having to program and plan using Cialis around the time of his anticipated sexual activity, Lilly ICOS began a clinical development program to evaluate the risks and benefits of chronic, once-daily use of the drug.
IPZvTN cheapest india generic cialis
3kNBYM beer warning on xanax 0 hours) and Levitra (4.
4bjyzy 853 hydrocodone watson carisoprodol
l6Sh3x dealing xanax florida sentencing
hKSLfd myth soma patch Reports of severe depression are frequent.
elnl8J subutex mixed with xanax
Nice post thanks for the information, keep it.
Greetings!
At medtipster.com you can search for low-cost alternatives to your prescriptions. By simply entering the prescription drug name, dosage and zip code, you will be provided with a list of $4 drugs and other discount generic pricing informatoin for your prescriptions available at pharmacies in your neighborhood.
To learn more, visit http://www.medtipster.com!
rajini Sun, May 10, 09 at 10:31 PM
hi I know that approximately 4.8 million people have been laid off just as of january of 09. The healthcare in the US is not exactly great and cobra…wow! approx $1000/month for a family of 4…These days it is hard to feed your family and have a shelter over your head let alone insurance. My husband lost his job and i am a work at home, we couldnt afford health insurance and like every other american i surfed the internet for an answer. Finally i found it and I wanted to share this with all those people looking for alternatives to traditional insurance, its a discount health benefits plan….visit http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/rals for more information.
Discount health plans http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/rals plans as low as $19.95/month for the entire family. And you dont have to argue with the doc for a discount….lol