Healthcare costs can be a significant burden for both employers and employees, but there are strategies everyone can use to make the most of health benefits and help lower overall rates. By making strategic healthcare decisions, you can reduce the number of claims you file and lower out-of-pocket costs.
Here are some tips to better use your health benefits and potentially lower your rates:
- Use Urgent Care Instead of the ER for Non-Emergent Issues
One of the easiest ways to save on healthcare costs is to choose the right type of care for your needs. While emergency rooms (ER) are critical for life-threatening situations, they are also one of the most expensive places to receive care. On the other hand, urgent care centers offer a cost-effective alternative for non-emergency medical issues such as minor injuries, illnesses, or infections.
In many cases, urgent care centers can provide the same level of care as an ER, but at a fraction of the cost. By choosing urgent care for these types of situations, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and help keep your premiums lower.
- Take Advantage of Preventive Care
Preventive care is often fully covered by health insurance, yet many people overlook it. Regular check-ups, screenings, immunizations, and wellness visits can catch health issues early, helping you avoid costly treatments down the road. Many plans cover annual wellness exams, flu shots, and screenings for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers at little to no cost. Some even include mammograms, pap smears, and dental or vision discounts for exams, cleanings, and eyewear. Scheduling these preventive services each year supports your long-term health and helps control healthcare expenses.
- Use Telemedicine for Non-Urgent Consultations
Telemedicine is a great way to get quick consultations for non-emergency health issues without having to leave your home or pay the copay for an in-person visit to the doctor’s office. Whether you need a prescription refill, advice on a minor illness, or a follow-up consultation, many health plans offer telemedicine services at a lower cost than in-person visits.
By utilizing telemedicine, you can avoid unnecessary office visits and save both time and money. Additionally, many telehealth services offer a flat fee per visit, which can help you better understand and manage your healthcare costs.
- Take Advantage of Prescription Drug Programs
Another way to reduce healthcare costs is to be proactive with your prescription medications. Health insurance plans often offer discounts or savings programs for generic drugs, mail-order pharmacies, or prescription assistance programs that can help you get the medications you need at a lower cost.
If your health plan includes a prescription drug program, ask your healthcare provider about generic alternatives or lower-cost options. Additionally, using a mail-order pharmacy can help you save money on regular medications by providing a 90-day supply at a discounted price.
- Understand Your Plan’s Network and Choose In-Network Providers
Most health insurance plans have a network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals that have agreed to provide services at discounted rates. Using in-network providers is one of the best ways to control healthcare costs. Out-of-network care can be significantly more expensive, and in some cases, you may be responsible for the full cost of treatment.
When scheduling appointments, always check that your provider is in-network. If you’re considering seeing a specialist or getting non-emergency procedures done, ask if there are in-network options available.
- Use Your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Wisely
If your health plan includes a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), take full advantage of these tax-advantaged accounts. HSAs and FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, and even some over-the-counter products.
By contributing to these accounts, you can save money on taxes while covering out-of-pocket costs. If you have an HSA, the funds roll over year after year, allowing you to build savings for future healthcare needs.
- Join Online Health Plans or Get Discounts on Gym Memberships
Many health insurance plans offer additional resources to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, often at no extra cost or with discounts. These benefits can not only improve your health but also help you save money on health-related services.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what wellness programs, gym discounts, or weight management services are available as part of your health benefits.
- Leverage Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
If you have an EAP as part of your health plan, take advantage of it. EAPs often include free, confidential counseling sessions, legal advice, and financial guidance—all of which can save you money on mental health services, legal fees, and financial planning.
- Shop for Medical Procedures and Tests
The cost of medical procedures, imaging (like MRIs or CT scans), and lab tests can vary significantly between providers. Many insurance companies offer tools that let you compare costs for different facilities and providers. Choosing a more affordable provider can help you save money without compromising quality.
In Conclusion
Taking a proactive approach to healthcare is one of the most effective ways to lower your rates and reduce your overall medical expenses.
With careful planning and strategic choices, you can maximize the value of your health benefits, save money, and still receive the high-quality care you need. If you are a client of UniqueHR, don’t hesitate to reach out to your HR or benefits specialist if you need assistance navigating your plan or understanding how to make the most of your health benefits.
