This is a page of hyperlinks of ways to save drugs that we couldn't fit into our Summer 2008 Inflation Buster!
Saving money on health care (keyword Cheapdrugs)
Saving money on health care (keyword Cheapdrugs)
Compare prices on prescriptions
Filling prescriptions? It's a good idea to research where you can get your prescriptions at the best price. This can be done online. If you're not computer savvy, perhaps your children or grandchildren can help with the search. With drug prices rising all the time, it's worth spending the time instead of the money.
Web sites:
http://www.pharmacychecker.com/
http://www.pharmacychecker.com/aboutop.asp
http://www.pharmacychecker.com/onlinepharmacyratings.asp
Why hospital and medical bills make you sicker
If we're insured, most of us do not check our hospital bills, or call to ask for definitions, descriptions or medical billing codes. If there is large deductible or large co-pay, questioning the bills is the only way to determine if you and/or your insurance company are paying the right amount.
If the doctor orders a medical procedure and it's not performed, it doesn't mean you won't be charged. Hospital bills can include duplicate charges for such items as a single injection billed under two codes. If you have multiple lab procedures done, call your insurer to see if the procedures and charges can be bundled. There can be charges for sheets, towels, and lotion, as well. Hospitals have been caught charging for more expensive services/procedures than were actually performed---a process called "up coding".
Web sites:
http://www.billadvocates.com/ --You can book an expert speaker in this area
http://quicken.intuit.com/healthcare-management/medical-expense-software.jsp (program to check codes with prices)
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx/a-to-z-guides/features/help-for-medical-billing-errors-advocates
Invest in your own health
There's more than a bleak picture for current and baby-boomer retirees who will need to shoulder more and more of the cost of their healthcare. Talk to your tax adviser and see if a Health Savings Account (HSA) would be right for you. An HSA works like an IRA, but more tax-deductible money can be contributed, and withdrawals before--and after--retirement are tax-free only for health costs. Contributions cannot be made after age 65, which is the target year for building it up to $200,000 or more to meet those projected retirement health costs.
Web sites:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080316/news_mz1b16golden.html
http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/pdf/HSA-Tri-fold-engli...
Price shop before participating in Medicare Part D
Take advantage of all plans and programs only after researching competitive prices and by learning what's available in relation to your needs!
Medicare Part D may not provide the cost-savings that were promised. Medicare Part D is one of the offspring of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 that started taking effect on 1/1/2006, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) extended prescription drug coverage to Medicare recipients. Medicare beneficiaries wanting to have prescription drug coverage can be charged the same premiums for Medicare Part B add-on benefits. Part D is not a stand-alone plan, so you will need to select a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Prescription Drug Plan. If you're already excited about getting a Medicare Part D plan, it's not as easy as it sounds. Medicare Part D plans come in different forms: HMO plans, PPO plans, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plans, and Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service plans. Enrollment for the 2009 Part D doesn't start until November 15, 2008 (it ends December 31, 2008).
There can be as many as 100 plans offered by 25 different providers, which can mean a lot of comparison shopping! But regardless of the plan, any plan is actually going to cost you money. Some plans charge fees on top of your Medicare Part B add-on fee (in 2005, the rate was at $78.20). On the other hand, some plans charge a combined premium for Part B and Part D. Premium price basically vary depending on the coverage. Do the math on the actual costs of your plan. Medicare Part D plans actually come with sign-up penalties after the initial enrollment period. You can calculate your actual cost based on your sign-up date, your chosen plan, the prescription drugs and how often you take them. If you decide on a Medicare Advantage Plan during the enrollment period but would like to switch to a PDP plan at the start of 2009, you can always make the switch from January 1 to March 31, 2009, during a special enrollment period.
The amount of money you are able to save on prescription costs will depend on how well you do your research before selecting a plan.
Web sites:
http://www.bestmedicaresupplement.com/medicare-advantage-plan.htm
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