health care expenses

Health care costs continue to rise and consumers need to be well informed so they can make educated choices and find the best value.   CBS News provides tips on how consumers can make their health care dollars go further.

Pain is the most common reason for seeking medical care. Because chronic (long-term) pain can be resistant to many medical treatments and can cause serious problems, people who suffer from chronic pain often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for relief.

This fact sheet provides basic information on chronic pain and "what the science says" about the effectiveness of CAM therapies that many people with chronic pain use.

If you are considering a CAM therapy for chronic pain, this information can help you talk with your health care provider about it.

As health care reform dominates the news, most consumers will benefit from remembering that there are things they can be doing today – before any meaningful reform occurs – to help drive down their health care expenditures.  <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />Creating affordable health care has as much to do with consumers taking th

CNNMoney.com published an article, “10 ways to beat the rising cost of health care.” This article includes some excellent tips for consumers.  Here are some great ideas that can help you manage your health care dollars.

Last year I attended a health care conference in Chicago where Safeway gave a presentation on how they reduced employee health care expenses starting in 2005 by implementing wellness programs and adopting financial incentives.  The secret ingredient for Safeway was rewarding healthy behavior.

To reduce health care expenses, consumers have the option of ordering their prescription drugs online.  This not only saves money and provides convenience, but makes health care dollars go a lot further.  One company you should check out is CanUSAmeds.com, a Chicago area-based Canadian online pharmacy with a reputation for outstanding customer service and some of the most afford

COPAYs, co-insurance, deductibles, list price, discounted price, contracted rate, negotiated price, cash price.  Do you know in advance what amount you will be charged for health care services?

Reducing health care expenses involves much more than simply finding the best value for services.  Everyone knows that eating healthier and exercising more can improve your health.  Maintaining good health goes a long way and here are some practical tips, in addition to eating healthy and exercising every day, that are guaranteed to improve your overall health.   These tips are easy to follow, cost nothing and you can start following these tips today to make a big difference.

Many of you are struggling to make ends meet while your health care expenses continue to rise. If you are well informed and you do your homework, you might be able to reduce your medical expenses by following some simple tips.

Just remember A-B-C-D.

Ask the provider upfront (before services are delivered) for a price break.

Each provider has their own rules about negotiating bills, and you should always ask. Explain your circumstances and offer to pay cash at time of service or develop a payment plan.