How I Saved on Healthcare
Posted by kim on March 10, 2009
When I got divorced a few years ago, I had to find my own health insurance since I would no longer be covered by my ex-husband’s group health insurance. I called around to various insurance agencies to compare prices, and ended up finding the best rate from eHealthInsurance.com. I’ve had Blue Cross Blue Shield for quite awhile now, with my rates going up every year. My insurance agent mom told me once a woman hits 35, they are considered a higher risk and thus the increase in premium cost. They didn’t fall for the “I’m 29 and holding” catchphrase.
I now have a friend going through a divorce, so I suggested she check out eHealthInsurance.com. I decided to request a free quote as well myself to see if I could find myself a better deal (short of finding myself a new husband with group health insurance) and I did. I just got approved for Aetna that will be $75 less per month than what I’m paying for BCBS. And the best part is that the benefits are better (ie I will now be covered for routine exams and dental). So, it definitely pays to shop around for health insurance.
My children are still covered under my Ex-husband’s health insurance, and two of them take medicine for OCD (obsession complusive disorder). At the beginning of this year, Anthem BCBS decided to no longer cover a couple of their medicines, so I was in shock when I had to pay over $300 for just for one of the medicine prescriptions in January!
So at their last doctor check-up, armed with a list of the $4 drugs available, I asked if we can please try some less expensive medicine alternatives. First she suggested Melatonin (which is only $2 for 100 tablets from VitaminAisle.com), an over-the-counter dietary supplement, instead of the high-priced prescription Rozerem. My son actually says it works better helping him sleep! Secondly, she gave us enough free samples of the $300+ medicine to last a month, as she wanted to make sure the Melatonin worked first before switching another med to the mix. So, always ask your doctor if free samples are available!
I had been sending in the kids’ prescriptions to Express-Scripts as they claim to be cheaper than local pharmacies. But one of the generic drugs that I’ve been paying $20 for is one the $4 drugs listed elsewhere. I recently found PrescriptionGiant.com where you can order your prescriptions online (the doctor’s office can fax, email or call in your order or you can mail in the original prescription), and shipping is free!
So besides asking for generics and samples, there are even more ways to save on prescriptions by checking out RxSaver.net which lists patient assistance programs, coupons and rebates for prescription medicines.
Now let’s hope Obama gets us out of this recession so we all don’t have to worry so much about saving money on healthcare!
