7 Steps To Save On Your Healthcare Costs

Healthcare is complex. And navigating a changing health system can be overwhelming, but it is possible to take control of your health and save money, too.

Here are 7 steps that will transform your health and help you save money, too:

• Select healthcare providers and facilities that are in-network under your health plan. The No. 1 cause for escalating healthcare costs is going outside of your established provider network for care. Most insurance carriers have a website or member portal that lists all the providers in their network. For ACN members, download My AZ Doc, our free mobile app that’s a directory of more than 5,500 providers for adults and children, plus 1,800 urgent care, and other care facilities.
• Build a relationship with your primary care provider (PCP). This is the first and most important step toward long-term health. Your PCP will serve as the quarterback of your healthcare team, so select someone you trust. He or she will learn your health goals, lifestyle, and preferences and be better equipped to advise you on solutions to your healthcare needs as they arise.
• Choose your healthcare team carefully. When you need a specialist to join your healthcare team, you want to handpick this new member. Invest just as much time into this as you would if you were going to buy a new car. Ask your PCP whom he or she trusts. Then ask friends and family for recommendations. Confirm the provider is board certified in their specialty. If you need a procedure or surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about the facility where the procedure will be performed and confirm in advance that it’s an in-network facility. The same goes for other specialty services such as anesthesiology or physical rehabilitation. Avoid hidden costs by confirming that each provider and facility involved in your care is in your provider network.
• Take advantage of the preventive benefits you’ve already paid for. Almost all insurance companies cover health screenings and immunizations with no co-pay or co-insurance to the member. Yet last year, more than half of American adults didn’t get a flu shot. And countless more came up with excuses for not getting routine screenings that could help detect heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer and more. Take advantage of this benefit! Early detection and intervention will reduce your healthcare costs today and improve your health for years to come. If you’re nervous about these tests, talk to your physician or bring a friend or family member with you for support.
• Define what “good health” means to you. Discuss with your primary care provider what you want to achieve in terms of your health and what you need to do to lead a healthier lifestyle. Whether you want to lose weight, stop smoking, exercise more, or have more energy to play with your kids or grandkids, put those goals in writing. Try doing one thing differently each day for a week and see what kind of progress you can make. Keep a daily journal if possible or join a support group that will help you stay accountable. Free support is often available through your health insurance and government-funded programs.
• Educate yourself on other ways to minimize costs. Health insurance is designed to reward patients with lower out of pocket costs when they seek care within their network and plan guidelines. In addition to using doctors and facilities that are in-network, ask for generic equivalents for medication or use a mail order option. Review your medical bills and explanation of benefits for accuracy and question charges that you don’t understand.
• Become your own healthcare advocate. Information on medical care guidelines is readily available – be informed and be proactive. Share your medical records and a list of prescriptions and allergies with those involved in your medical care. Enlist a family member or close friend to attend appointments with you. Designate someone you trust to be your healthcare proxy. Make sure you understand post-operation care and don’t miss follow-up appointments. Your health action plan is a negotiation between you and your care team. But ultimately, you must take responsibility for your own health.

Yes, it takes some effort, but by becoming a smart healthcare consumer, you will reap the rewards in the form of the best possible care at an affordable cost. After all, no one will ever be more invested in your health than you!