Money Saving Tips: hospital and medical - billeater.com

Earn Free Stuff for Good Health

Jessica Bosari — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

It has become apparent in the last ten years or so that making healthy choices results in overall good health. Perhaps Benjamin Franklin said it best back in the eighteenth century when he professed, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In general, Americans strayed away from that old adage as the conveniences of modern-day fast food and processed goods took over. Somehow, we've ended up back where we began. More people are realizing the benefits of staying healthy to prevent illness and injury and to temper the high costs of healthcare. Many industries are jumping on board by rewarding customers for making healthy choices. Health insurance and credit card companies are among those offering customer rewards.Read the rest...

5 Tips for Cutting the Cost of Medical Bills

Jessica Bosari — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Struggling under the pressure of medical bills? You're not alone. Medical bills can be frustrating. Even with insurance, copays and deductibles can add up fast. Plus, medical bills are often the result of a sickness or injury, which aren't exactly planned expenses. When you or a family member have been sick or even hospitalized, being hit with a huge medical bill can really feel like a double whammy.Read the rest...

7 Ways to Save Money Using Mouthwash as a Home Remedy and Cleaner

Jessica Bosari — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

People are looking for anyway that they can save money from their monthly household allowance. Surprising to find that the mouthwash you use every day could also be used for many things other than cleaning your mouth of germs. Actually, the many uses for mouthwash can save your household allowance a lot of money.

The properties of mouthwash were first used in the medical field as a surgical antiseptic, and these same unique properties can help you to save money around the house. Here is a list of uses for mouthwash that is sure to amaze you, and save you money by replacing many expensive cleaning products, with the mouthwash sitting in your bathroom.Read the rest...

5 Ways to Save Money on Pilates

Jessica Bosari — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Pilates is a body-conditioning system of exercise that has skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade. Hundreds of thousands of exercisers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to achieve the "Pilates" look: chiseled waistline, strong back, toned limbs, sleek silhouette. Pilates is effective exercise, but it certainly isn't cheap. When you add up the cost of mat classes, equipment classes, group classes, and one-on-one training sessions, you may be overwhelmed by the large price tag Pilates wears. The good news is that you can attain an exquisite Pilates figure without paying exorbitant Pilates prices. Here's how.Read the rest...

Ten Generic Drugs to Hit the Market Soon

Jessica Bosari — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:15:05 +0000

Lipitor, Lexapro, and Seroquel are three of the most prescribed medications in the country. Over $300 billion is spent on these and other brand-name drugs annually, but that will change soon as the patents on these drugs expire. With these expirations comes an increased interest in generic drugs, allowing consumers to save up to 90 percent off name-brand prices.Read the rest...

Smokeless Cigarettes: Are They a Good Alternative to Smoking?

Guest Blogger — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:19:34 +0000

Smoking bans are increasing, with fourteen states enforcing designated “smoke free” restaurants and bars as well as workplaces, especially hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Other municipalities across the country implement smoking bans in certain areas, even if the smoker is outside. While smokers have fewer places to light up, they have more options to receive their nicotine fix.Read the rest...

Exercising can Save You Money

Guest Blogger — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:38:46 +0000

Did you know that exercising could save you money? It’s definitely true, especially when you look at today’s statistics about obesity and personal costs. According to a recent article in Forbes Magazine, about a third of Americans are considered obese, and six in ten are on their way to obese by being overweight. Here are a few statistics from that article that you might want to consider:

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Is Extreme Couponing Just another Form of Hoarding?

Guest Blogger — Tue, 31 May 2011 15:28:48 +0000

One byproduct of the recent economic downturn is a renewed interest in saving money. The reality-TV phenomenon "Extreme Couponing," sought to feed that interest. Instead, the show shocked and disgusted many watchers. Extreme couponers can save hundreds of dollars on their groceries by taking advantage of as many coupon possibilities they can find. They are exceptionally organized and spend hours collecting and sorting coupons from every possible source. On the acceptable side of the social behavior spectrum, these coupon shoppers will purchase large numbers of sale items they can use and store them until needed. However, some buy in excess simply because the items are cheap or free and stock away hundreds of items they could not possibly use in a lifetime. The idea of saving money through couponing is a good one, but taken to an extreme it can become an unhealthy obsession.Read the rest...

Uninsured? Save Money With A Local Clinic

Jessica Bosari — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The latest figures from the United States Census Bureau are from 2008. As of September of 2010, 50.7 million Americans have no health care insurance. The reasons for this are many and they are grim. Employers cutting jobs, companies eliminating health care insurance for employees, families cutting insurance coverage to cut costs, the escalating cost of health care are just a few. It's been three years since the recession began and presently, there is no end in sight. The talking heads on TV say there is some evidence that the recession is over, but the fifty million uninsured Americans haven't seen that evidence.Read the rest...

Breast versus Bottle - How Much Can You Really Save?

Heather Hollingsworth — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The debate between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding has raged on for decades. Sometimes the main reason for choosing to breastfeed has to do with finances. Even though there are some necessary items that a breastfeeding mom will need, like breastfeeding bras, nursing pads, and pumping equipment, the overall cost of breastfeeding is negligible compared to the cost of infant formulas. Health benefits related to breastfeeding can also cut costs in other areas for both the mom and the baby.Read the rest...

IRS Takes a Giant Leap into the New Millenium with Tax Breaks on Breastfeeding Equipment

Heather Hollingsworth — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:16:09 +0000

It's no secret that breastfeeding provides benefits for the mother and the child that they can't get from regular bottle feeding. A recent reversal of policy at the IRS proves that lawmakers are beginning to pay attention to the fact that the health of moms and babies is directly related to the health of the nation in general. Mothers who choose to breastfeed can now list breast pumps and other necessary breastfeeding items as deductions on their tax forms.Read the rest...

Home Acne Remedies to try Before You Pay a Dermatologist

Guest Blogger — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:56:39 +0000

Acne. They are like mushrooms that sprout on your face when you least expect it. What’s more, the commercial remedies are expensive. So how do you deal with them? I learned awhile back to make homemade acne destroying recipes to eliminate them. In this article, you will learn how to get rid of your acne with these simple to make home remedies.Read the rest...

Cheapest Cost Per Pound to Lose Weight

Heather Hollingsworth — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:03:13 +0000

Now that the holidays are over and the groundhog has predicted an early spring, it's time to think about squeezing back into that summer wardrobe. If you're ready to drop those extra pounds without dropping too much of your hard earned cash, these weight loss programs might be just what you need to get started. The least expensive programs are the ones that offer guides to help you organize your eating habits so that you lose weight on your own. The more expensive options are the plans that sell you pre-made meals that are designed to take all of the work out of creating a healthy weight loss diet.Read the rest...

Healthy Home Cleaning Guide: Resolve to Save Hundreds on Cleaning Products this Year

Jessica Bosari — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:36:11 +0000

One of my favorite things about frugal living is the synergy it often finds with green living. Many ways of saving money help reduce waste and pollution. One is to use only natural cleaning products. Not only is it good for the earth and your wallet, but it’s also healthier for your family. The chemicals left behind by many household cleaners can contribute to illness in those with sensitive systems. Using natural cleaners gives you one less danger to worry about.

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Can getting more sleep save you money? Probably!

Jessica Bosari — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:28:03 +0000

if you aren't getting at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, you may be costing yourself money. Even if you are spending those sleepless hours working from home, the extra money you make now will probably not be enough to cover the expensive problems that can result from sleep deprivation. Forgetfulness, overeating, falling asleep at work, and many other symptoms can be tough on your finances eventually. Taking the time to make sure you get plenty of rest at night will make you more productive at work.Read the rest...

BPA on Receipts! Cause to Panic?

Fletcher Martin — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:50:47 +0000

If you are a financially responsible person, then you probably take every receipt you are given and keep it in your purse or wallet until you decide to go through your receipts. You’ll probably keep the important ones you need, and throw the rest away. However, this practice could be tainting your money and the other items that encounter your receipts with BPA. Bisphenol A, abbreviated as BPA, has been found to have the potential to cause a number of health issues such as cancer and possible birth defects in developing fetuses and young children.Read the rest...

Two Ways to Save Hundreds on Prescription Medications

Jessica Bosari — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:59:38 +0000

I was recently put in a tough spot when my health insurance lapsed because my husband changed jobs. Cobra was not available to us for varied and complicated reasons. So until December 1, my husband and I are on our own. Our medications aren’t cheap either. His treatments are $5,000 every six weeks. My medication is $300 per month just for the generic. This is how we are managing to get through without losing our shirts.Read the rest...

How Health Insurance Reform Will Affect Your Health Care Costs

dlawwill — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:34:51 +0000

Health Care Reform, also known as the Affordable Care Act, will have a significant impact on how Americans receive health care services. It will also change the way many people finance their health care. In 2009, there was a lot of passion and a lot of misinformation on both sides of the political aisle. Therefore, it is important to know exactly what the facts are and how this bill will affect your health care decisions.Read the rest...

How to Save up to 60% on Dental Care

Jessica Bosari — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:01:55 +0000

Dental care is a service we all need but hate to pay for. It’s often unpleasant, sometimes painful, and it always costs a lot of money. Most of us shrug our shoulders at the high cost, not realizing there are ways to save. But if you know how to go about it, you can save thousands on dental care. Read the rest...

Three Health Insurance Options for College Students

billeater — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:17:03 +0000

Even when you are young and in good health, it is important that you have health insurance. But many young adults skip this important financial failsafe because they feel overwhelmed by the prospect of buying insurance coverage. Although it can be difficult to find the plan that is right for your individual situation, it is important that you take the time to do the research and find the right insurance coverage. Read the rest...

Five Smart Ways to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs

Jessica Bosari — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:14:23 +0000

Risking your health to avoid high prescription costs is not smart. It may end up costing you a lot more than a bottle of pills when you land in the hospital because you failed to take prescribed medication. Luckily, there are some safe ways to cut back on prescription costs. Enlist the help of your doctor and pharmacist to help you bring down the cost of your prescriptions.

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What to do if Your Health Insurance Claim is Denied

billeater — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:02:19 +0000

If your health insurance claim a surgery is denied, you need to challenge your insurer, rather than simply taking “No,” for an answer. That's because the majority of claims are “electronically adjudicated,” according to America's Health Insurance Plans research at AIHPresearch.com. Electronic adjudication means claims are processed electronically, with no manual intervention, using denial algorithms that look for ways to deny coverage.Read the rest...

Tax Free Money To Pay For Health Care

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:13:11 +0000

In 2008, 27 percent of all employers offered a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), with only 37 percent of eligible workers signed up to utilize the account. Small businesses are significantly less likely to offer these tax-advantaged accounts than large ones.

An FSA allows you to make voluntary salary reduction agreements through your employer to provide a tax-advantaged means to pay for both childcare and health care expenses. Many employers, including the Federal government, hold “open season” at this time of year to allow employees to sign up for the program for next year. Read the rest...

How to Save Money on Medical Expenses

debbiedragon — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:03:55 +0000

At some time in your life, you are going to need to spend money on your health. Whether it is for routine check-ups, sickness, prescriptions or chronic conditions, we all have medical expenses to pay. As prices get higher, it can get harder and harder to afford health care. Not only is the cost of the medical care and prescriptions increasing, but the cost of gas and transportation to visit your doctor or pick up your prescriptions has also made health care that little bit more expensive. The question is: how to reduce medical expenses without giving up the quality of your health care and your life?Read the rest...

Lost Your Health Insurance? Don’t Panic

debbiedragon — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:39:52 +0000

In 2008, approximately 15% of the population, according to the Census Board, was without any type of health insurance. That represents approximately 46.3 million people. Most people are insured through their employee programs. Other providers are Medicare and Medicaid. What happens if you lose your benefits?If you become seriously ill or disabled, chances are that you will invest your cash in your own welfare, and spend your money on hospital charges. It happens.

If you have no insurance and need medical attention don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price. It sounds odd to be haggling with a health care provider but it is something you have to learn how to do if your insurance disappears.When looking for new health insurance because, your policy has run out, or you have been laid off, there are several places that specialize in helping people find affordable coverage:
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Ten ways to save money on eyeglasses and contacts

Tyra — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:26:15 +0000

If you are a glasses or contact lenses wearer, chances are you have dropped $300-500 on routine care and/or a pair of glasses, only to find out later you could get a similar, if not exact package for much, much less. Be smart about your eyes, and save money on glasses, contacts and eyecare. Here's a few ways how...
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Ten ways to save money during pregnancy

Tyra — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:09:58 +0000

Being pregnant is and an exciting time in any couple or family's life, you are blessed enough to have the responsibility of bringing a whole new person into this world. However, the cost of maternity is more than you would guess. Did you know that the average healthy delivery costs between $5000 to $8,000 dollars, and a few thousand more for a more complicated C-section delivery.Between the Lamaze classes, clothing, regular medical check ups and childbirth and labor you may just find yourself in a tight squeeze even before baby is born. Learn how to cut a few corners and save money during your pregnancy with our list of the top ten tips for saving money during pregnancy. Read the rest...

10 tips to save on health insurance

Tyra — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:10:03 +0000

The health and wellness of you and your family is one of those things in life you can't put a price tag on. Health insurance is a good idea because it provides coverage for regular doctor visits, and also sets your mind at ease should a health emergency occur. Most plans also cover prescription drugs as may cover other needs such as mental health and homeopathic care. We have put together a list of a few tips and tricks to help you save money on your monthly health care premium.Read the rest...

Eight ways to save money on prescription drugs

Tyra — Sat, 09 May 2009 13:43:06 +0000

Prescription medications are a necessary cost. One of those that, no matter how poor the economy gets, you can't eliminate from your budget. Especially true for those with chronic illness or psychiatric disorders. The truth is, almost 40% of people on prescription medication have, at one point or another, experienced the hassle of dealing with a financial difficulty while obtaining their prescription.Read the rest...

Applying for a Medical Card...Who can apply...and how...

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:36:08 +0000

The medical card enables low-income or zero-income families to receive the health care they need through government programs. Each region has different income qualifications, but the card does enable recipients to get the health care necessary for day-to-day life.
A medical card provides a variety of benefits for low-income families. The medical card provides health care and prescriptions either at no cost or wither very low per-visit copayments.Read the rest...

Use the new flat-rate $4 dollar generic prescription plans

billeater — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:55:21 +0000

The $4 prescription trend has exploded since it's beginnings in 2006. The trend has made a big difference for consumers that were paying top-dollar for the generic prescription drugs that made the list. Wal-Mart is famous for starting this movement, initially with a very limited list of commonly used generic medications. At the time, the four dollar cost was lower than what most people were paying as an insurance co-payment, and sometimes represented hundreds of dollars of savings per purchase for those that didn't have insurance.Read the rest...

Use your employer's flexible health care spending plan.

billeater — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:56:37 +0000

Your employer may offer a flexible spending plan that allows you to put dollars in an account without the payroll taxes being deducted first. You are then reimbursed for your out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as copays, prescription drugs, dental care, etc. Because these contributions are taken out of your pay before federal and state taxes are calculated, you get to use pretax dollars to pay your medical bills.Read the rest...

Don't need the emergency room ? Save money with an urgent care center

billeater — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:23:03 +0000

If you find yourself with a medical issue that needs immediate attention, but isn't a real medical emergency, you have options.

Urgent care centers are almost always lower cost than the emergency room, even when you do have insurance. Typical copay amounts for an emergency room vary from $75 to $300. The urgent care co-pay is much smaller, from $25-$75.

Plus, many urgent care centers allow conveniences like online check-in. You submit all your information to a website, and they'll call you at home when it's time to drive in. No waiting in the lobby for hours.Read the rest...

Save money...don't buy crutches or braces from the hospital

billeater — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:22:25 +0000

Hospitals will make money any way they can, and items that you need when leaving are a prime target for them. For items like crutches, braces, etc, you are much better off getting them on your own.

Best bets are a local independently owned drugstore, or a medical supply store. Some will even rent items like crutches, which can save you money if you only need them for a week or two.

If you happen to be on Medicare, they will cover crutches in most situations. Their rules for crutches:Read the rest...