Medical/Health Savings

TIPS:

HEALTH CARE SAVINGS IN GENERAL

Here are some tips to save money on healthcare in general:


www.castleconnolly.com is a database of the 20,000 best doctors available highly recommended

 by its peers

At www.askadoctor.com you can get advise thru e-mail from three different doctors for a small fee

How to Save on Health Care 

The Truth About Home Medical Tests 

Assistance with Medical Transportation Costs

Search for Savings by Diagnosis

Over-the-Counter Meds Savings Secrets

Savvy Strategies for Your Health Savings Account 

Why Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know About Concierge Doctors

A former ER tech explains what they don't tell patients about how the emergency room works 

The Health Savings Account (HSA) Rules You Need to Know


Is an HSA the Best Way To Save for Future Medical Expenses?

4 Affordable Telemedicine Options Even Without Insurance 

Here’s How to Get Care From a Real Doctor for as Little as $25 — No Insurance Necessary 

20 Ways to Save on Health Care 

5 Money-Smart Reasons to Get a Health Savings Account 

20 Ways to Save on Health Care

Essential health care resources to know about if you’re broke

10 Ways to Save Money on Health Care - Clark Howard

Ways to Save On Medically Related Equipment Not Covered by Insurance 

10 Ways to Save Money on Health Care

Use a Health Care Sharing Ministry (not an insurance): Health care sharing ministries are organizations in which members share the cost of each other’s medical bills. What Are Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs)?


selfpaypatient.com/tag/bidonhealth-com/

As most self-pay patients know, finding the real price for a doctor's visit or, medical procedure, or prescription drug can be a challenge. I've mentioned before several doctor's offices, surgical facilities, and web sites that self-pay patients can use to 

HEALTH INSURANCE:

Here are some tips to save on health insurance:


U.S. News and the National Committee for Quality Assurance have joined forces to rank health plans based on performance relative to other plans in prevention, treatment and member satisfaction. The full list is shown at www.usnews.com … look for “best health plans”



Enroll in a high deductible health care savings account (go to www.hsafinder.com for more information) and deposit the maximum amount each year. The money grows tax free forever if you spent it on health care. This is a good way to prepare for rising health care costs when you retire. You can use an HSA when you have a high deductible medical insurance of more than $1,300. The money grow tax free and you can use it for medical expenses that are out of pockett. There is a limit contribution of $3350. This is another tool to save money and very valuable to have as you get older when you will have more medical expenses ... this way you can use this benefit tax free. A good place to find a HSA is at Vanguard - Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)


Medicare Health insurance counselors can provide free help: Finding insurance coverage that is affordable and meets your needs can help protect you from medical debt moving forward. Health insurance counselors are free, unbiased, experts who can provide free local help. To find a counselor, visit the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) locator at shiphelp.org.

If you have no income you may be eligible for free healthcare coverage at Healthcare.gov.  Also check medicaid state program and other alternatives like faith base programs.

Medicaid provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families in the United States. The program offers a broad range of medical services, including doctor visits, preventive care, prescription medications, and more. This ensures enrolled individuals and families have access to essential medical services to maintain and improve their health. 

Understanding Medicaid: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

20 Ways to save on healthcare 

40 Ways to Save Money on Your Healthcare Costs After 55 

How to save money on health insurance 

Who is eligible for Medicaid benefits? 

Many Medicare Advantage Members Find Challenges 

Local Assistance for Health Insurance Application - HealthCare.gov

Are Health Care Sharing Ministries A Viable Alternative To Health Insurance For Early Retirement? 

Maximize ACA Subsidies and Minimize Health Insurance Costs 

Paying for Healthcare in the Age of Coronavirus - Consumer ...

Two Years Without Health Insurance (and What I Do Now)

eHealthInsurance.com.: one of the best online resources that will enable you to quickly and conveniently compare online the cost of several individual health insurance options.

Finding Affordable Health Care Now 

Discover what health benefit programs you may be eligible for and how to apply in your state. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE AND OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE SAVINGS FOLLOW THIS LINK: 

MEDICAL BILLS

Here are some tips to save on your medical bills:


Avoid Unexpected Medical Bills 

Inaccurate Medical Billing Creates Problems for Older Adults 

What To Do If Your Health Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

5 Steps to Getting Your Hospital Bill Right

Medical Facilities Far From Hospitals Are Charging Hospital Rates As 'Satellites.' What Gives? 

Patients Still Receive Surprise Medical Bills, Including for Medical Laboratory Testing, Despite Enactment of Federal No Surprises Act That Became Law on Jan. 1, 2022 

No Surprises: Understand your rights against surprise medical bills 

The Hospital Charged Me $25,000 for a Rabies Shot. What Do I Do?

Medical debt: dozens of articles on this subject

Pitfalls of medical credit cards and financial plans 

No Surprises: Understand your rights against surprise medical bills | CMS 

What is a “surprise medical bill” and what should I know about the No Surprises Act? 

ICYMI: How to Fight Back When Contacted by a Debt Collector for a Medical Bill

First, see if you can get your medical bill forgiven 

How to Deal With Medical Debt

6 Tips for Dealing with an Unaffordable Emergency Room Bill

 Medical Bills Are Coming to an End 

How to handle your medical bills 

How to Fight Back When Contacted by a Debt Collector for a Medical Bill

How to Negotiate Medical Bills: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Bill

What You Can Do About Medical Deb

Here’s what you can do if you get a bill for covered services.  

 If you have a medical debt in collections, learn about your debt collection and credit reporting rights.

What You Can Do About Medical Debt 

How to Use an HSA to Pay Medical Bills — Even the Old Ones

 How To Save on Medical Costs

Use a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Worried About Hospital Bills? Consider Medical Tourism!

Surprise Medical Bills Are Coming to an End 

How to Deal With Medical Debt  

6 Ways to Get Help Paying Your Medical Bills 

5 Tips That Can Help You Reduce Medical Debts  

 Q&A: Here’s why you shouldn’t put that huge hospital bill on a credit card  

How Do I Get Help With My Medical Bills?

How Can I Lower My Health Care Costs?

How to Deal With Medical Debt - Clark Howard

5 Ways Anyone Can Save on Out-of-Pocket Health Care Costs | Money Talks News

Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? - Clark Howard

How to obtain charity care

6 Ways to Get Help Paying Your Medical Bills

In a review of 337,000 patient cases, this was the No. 1 most common preventable medical error - MarketWatch

New Website Aims to Help You Compare Health Care Prices

16 Ways to Beat the High Cost of Medical Care

10 Ways to Deal with an Expensive Emergency Room Bill

4 questions to ask to get the best deals on health care and prescriptions

5 Ways to Save on Medical Bills

6 Ways To Get Help Paying Your Medical Bills

How to deal with a hospital that's overbilling you

What NOT To Do When You Get a Large Medical Bill

6 Ways to Get Help Paying Your Medical Bills

Healthcare Bluebook – Your Guide to Fair Pricing for Healthcare Services : Healthcare Blue Book is an awesome website that shows typical and “fair” medical costs for all types of procedures, lab tests, and medicines. Check it out if you find yourself wanting to estimate your out of pocket costs, or want information to negotiate a ridiculous medical bill. 


HOSPITALS:

Here are some tips when dealing with hospital bills:


5 Steps to Getting Your Hospital Bill Right 

Reducing the Cost of an ER Visit

Reducing the Cost of an Emergency Room Visit 

Tip: there is always a strong possibility that your hospital bill have errors. It might be worth it to hire a billing consultant that will take a % of the money they save you. Read How a medical billing advocate can significantly reduce your costs

Not Asking This Question in the Hospital Can Cost You Thousands | Money Talks News

An Unaffordable Emergency Room Bill

Emergency room fees: How to fight an outrageous medical bill, explained

DENTAL:

Here are some tips to save money on dental care:




Go to a dental clinic at a local dental school and you could save more than 50% on different procedures. All visits are supervised by experienced professors. Find  and American Dental Association accredited  at www.ada.org

Prepare Your Teeth for Retirement 

Dental Insurance: A Money-Saver or Just Another Expense? 

Good Dental Hygiene Is Money in Your Pocket

Dentists in Los Algodones, Mexico, Draw Global Clients With Low Prices 

Don't Fall for These Dental Scams

Exploring Ways to Support Dental Patients’ Health and Financial Needs

4 (Imperfect) Ways Retirees Can Pay for Dental Care

3 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Dental Visit 

7 Ways to Get Affordable Dental Care 

9 Secret Ways to Save Money on Dental Care

6 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Dental Work 

8 Ways to Save on Dental Care Without Insurance 

A dentist share how to save on dental care

Find free or affordable dental care at:

1) Free dental care

2) FreeDentistClinic.com Affordable Dental Clinics

How Will You Pay for Dental Care after Age 65? 

Dental Care for Just $10? Here’s How to Get It | Money Talks News

Go to www.dentalplans.com to find dental plans in your area.

 Go to a dental school clinic to get cleaning, fillings and other basic procedures from supervised students for 50-75% less than what a dentist charges.  To find a clinic near you visit www.nidcr.nih.gov

How to Afford Your Kid's Braces or Expensive Dental Care

Check if dentist offers in house financing if you don't have dental insurance

A dentist share how to save on dental care

Is Dental Insurance Worth The Cost?

Good Dental Hygiene is $$ in Your Pocket

QUOTES:

An Affordable Dental Option:  Recently, I had to have all four of my wisdom teeth pulled and discovered a cheaper alternative: dental schools. For those who do not have dental insurance or whose policy may cover very little (ours only covered 20%!), you may want to try this option. In my state (Ohio), I found that a university that is all of 15 minutes from my home has a dental school. To remove all four teeth, including an IV anethetic, I paid about 1/3 of what my dentist would have charged. Also, find out what the university is doing a study on. If they are doing a funded study on let's say, root canals, and you need one, you may be able to get the work done for free. Annie from Dollar Stretcher Tips

Good Habits Pay:  When my two kids were small, I let them each decorate a recycled, small, yogurt container to be kept near the bathroom sink. Whenever they brushed their teeth to my satisfaction, I rewarded them each with a dime to deposit through the slots that had been made in the lids. When the containers were full, they were free to spend their earnings as they wished. They had very few cavities.I always said to them, "Taking care of your teeth is like money in the bank!" June from Dollar Stretcher Tips

It Pays To Ask:  Last year, I paid nearly $1,000 for a dental crown. I'm over 60 and have several older crowns. This year, my dentist noticed a gap under an older crown. Rather than get a new crown, she suggested applying silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to the area. It's a clear liquid with antibacterial properties and keeps cavities from growing. I understand this is a fairly new procedure here in the States. This is new to me, and I'm always a bit leery, so I looked it up on webmd.com. The cost for my procedure is about $65, which is a far cry from almost $1,000 for a new crown! Always check with your dentist before undergoing a major procedure. It's possible something less expensive may work just as well, although, of course, it depends on the condition of the tooth. Crowns are expensive, but I've also found some dentists charge less than others and do wonderful dental work. Shop around and ask friends if they're happy with their dentist. Helen from Dollar Stretcher Tips

TIP: On dental insurance always get a 2nd opinion if you need extensive dental work... you will find difference on quality of care and differences prices depending on the dentist. Another source is to use Yelp for dental services.


PRESCRIPTION DRUGS/OTC:

TIP: 


The Free Tool You Should Be Using Before You Fill a Prescription at CVS or Walgreens 

GoodRx Review: 10 Things To Know Before You Use GoodRx 

3 Things You Need To Do Before You Leave the Pharmacy

6 Pharmacies Offering $4 Prescriptions

Over-the-Counter Meds Savings Secrets 

You can receive an automated call or a text message on your mobile phone reminding you to take your medicine. Call 877-636-6898 or go to www.memotext.com to learn more.

Help with drug costs with "EXTRA HELP" from Medicare 

How To Get Generic Drugs and Low-Cost Prescriptions 

10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs 

40% More Savings on Nearly 200 Medications at Walgreens 

Why You Should Always Ask Your Pharmacist the Price of Your Prescription Without Insurance 

10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs

Will Mark Cuban’s New Prescription Company Really Save You Money?

Finding a generic alternative that isn't costly 

How Do Discount Prescription Drug Companies Offer Such Big Savings? 

10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs 

Over-the-Counter Meds Savings Secrets

Online Pharmacies Can Help You Save Big on Prescription Drugs 

5 Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs

Your new pharmacy is Amazon Pharmacy 

How Seniors Can Save Money on Prescription Meds 

Cipa.com : CIPA (Canadian International Pharmacy Association) member websites sell prescription drugs made by the leading name-brand manufacturers at prices up to 80 percent less than U.S.

Blink Health is a website that may help you find cheaper prices for drugs. Put the name of medicines you need and will  show you lowest prices. 

How to Use Over-the-Counter Meds the Right Way

Amazon pharmacy 

Homepage of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs 

Will Mark Cuban’s New Prescription Company Really Save You Money?

The #1 Drugstore for Customer Satisfaction

How a Prescription Discount Card Lets You Save Money

10 Ways To Reduce the Financial Pain of Prescription Drugs 

Check Cost Plus Drug Company for prescriptions

Use This Tool Before Filling Prescriptions at CVS, Walgreens

Should You Buy Medicine by Mail From Canada? 

Download these prescription savings apps

Buy $4 generic drugs

How Can I Get a Better Price on Prescriptions? 

5 Ways I Slashed My Drug Costs up to 50% 

10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs

Best Pharmacy for Customer Satisfaction

6 Pharmacies Offering Prescriptions From $4

Introducing Amazon Pharmacy - your meds, delivered 

How Generic Drugs Can Help You Save Money on Your Prescriptions  

10 Things To Know Before You Use GoodRx 

Amazon Launches Two-Day Prescription Delivery and It’s Free for Prime Members

Amazon Pharmacy: How the New Online Service Works  

Introducing Amazon Pharmacy – your meds, delivered 

Over the Counter Meds Savings Secrets 

10 Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs

3 Things You Need to Do With Your Prescription Before You Leave the Pharmacy 

7 Ways to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs Regardless of Health Insurance 

The Best Prescription Savings Apps to Save Money 

3 little-known ways to save money on prescriptions 

How to find the best deals on your prescriptions online

Help with Prescription Drug Costs

How to Comparison Shop Drug Prices Before Your Doctor Sends in a Prescription - Clark Howard

Drug Price Comparisons, Online Pharmacy Safety and Coupon Savings | PharmacyChecker.com

5 Ways I Slashed My Prescription Drug Costs.” 

What Is the Cheapest Pharmacy for Prescription Drugs? | Money Talks News

Blink Health is a website that may help you find cheaper prices for drugs. Put the name of medicines you need and will  show you lowest prices. 

GoodRx - Prescription Prices, Coupons & Pharmacy Information https://www.goodrx.com GoodRx works to makes its website accessible to all, including those with disabilities. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means.

0 Things to Know Before You Use GoodRx

RxSaver by RetailMeNot - Prescription Coupons, Prices ...

Another website that does comparison shopping for prescriptions: 6 Things to Know Before You Use SingleCare - Clark Howard ; SingleCare vs. GoodRx: Which Is Cheaper? - Clark Howard

https://rxsaver.retailmenot.com With RxSaver by RetailMeNot, you can compare prescription prices and find coupons to save money on drugs at a pharmacy near you. Get your FREE Rx discount card today!

This Grocery Store Has the Best Pharmacy, According to Shoppers | Money Talks News

How to Pay for Pricey Prescriptions

Over the Counter Meds Savings Secrets | After 50 Finances

The Best Prescription Savings Apps to Save Money

How to Lower Your Medicare Drug Costs

HealthWarehouse.com review: This online pharmacy can save you money on prescription drugs 

10 Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs - Clark Howard

How To Avoid Fraud With Herbal Supplements 

Traps to avoid when paying for your medications

Pharmacy buying guide from Consumer Reports

Prescription plans for less

15 Ways to save on prescription drugs


It’s Easy to Get Extra Help with Your Prescription Costs | Social Security Matters

http://blog.socialsecurity.gov/its-easy-to-get-extra-help-with-your-prescription-costs/

GoodRx: Prices, Coupons and Information GoodRx makes comparing prescription drug prices easy. Their app provides current cash and sale prices, coupons and valuable savings tips for thousands of prescriptions at pharmacies near you. GoodRx tells you which pharmacies have drugs for less than $4 per fill, and some where certain prescriptions for free!

Web-based pharmacies are the least expensive like www.healthwarehouse.com, www.familymeds.com and www.Costco.com and www.drugstore.com

 

Buy generics at major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Kmart, Wal-Mart and Target. For a list of safe and effective generic drugs that works as well as or better than brnad-name alternatives go to www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org/bestbuydrugs

 

Start calling around to different pharmacies for lowest prices. Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway and other retail chains offer many generic drugs at $4 for a 30 day supply with no eligibility restrictions.  Several chains have recently lowered prices on 90 day supplies to $0-$15.

$4 Prescriptions - walmart.com

https://www.walmart.com/cp/4-dollar-At Walmart Pharmacy, they offer customers affordable prices for generic medications. Find yours for just $4 or $10 for a 30 or 90-day supply.

Many pharmacies have discount cards for free.

 

Visit www.destinationrx.com which automatically compares drug prices at local pharmacies. If the price is still too high ask your doctor or pharmacist for the generic version or another substitute like older brand name drugs. . A government study showed that using smart shopping techniques for prescriptions brought the price of one heart drug from $139.74 all the way down to just $5.65.

 

Check online pharmacy prices at www.pharmacychecker.com or www.drx.com . Make sure the site you order from is one of the licensed and accredited Verified Internet Pharmacy Practices Sites (lok for the VIPPS logo)

 

www.xubex.com offers more than 250 generic medications at a cost of $20 to $30 for most 90 day supply.

 

Some drugs companies  and many mail order pharmacies offer discount porgrams for those who qualify. Learn more at www.rxoutreach.com offers more than 350 generic medications at a cost of $20-$95 for a 180 day supply. Or got to www.pparx.org too.

 

Contact the manufacturer of your medicine. Most companies offer free or low-cost prescriptions drugs to low-income people who meet their eligibility guidelines. Also, many states provide help. Call your state health department. Check out www.aarp.org/bulletin/presciptions or www.aarp.org/health/comparedrugs (click on “Your guide to state-run and private pharmacy assistance programs”.) Other sources: www.needymeds.com  lets patients search for applicable programs, download applications, search for local help with paperwork and find assistance based on location or disease look also into  the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America at www.phrma.org.

Call you medical plan and ask to receive your medicines by mail. Mail-order pharmacies typically offer three-month supplies at the same copayment as one month refills.

AAA has a free prescription savings plan that can save you up to 33%  on prescription drugs. Another prescription club is available through www.togetherrxaccess.com but you have to meet certain requirements. It is sponsored by 9 major drug companies … this free card offers 20%-40% discounts on retail prices for more than 300 drugs.

 

Merck and Pfizer offer separate discount cards for many of their medications. Discount ranges from 15%-50%. Got to www.merckhelps.com/uninsured or  www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com

 

www.smartchoicedrugstore.co is a full service pharmacy offering cancer medications at cost. It guarantees the lowest price of any pharmacy in the US. www.drugstore.com carries a huge inventory of drugstore products including over the counter and prescription drugs. You can get a 5% credit for every purchase.  And if you are into discount natural foods this web site www.vitaglo.com offers vitamins, supplements and dietary needs at huge discounts.

Look up prescription drug information by brand or by generic name at www.health.usnews.com/drugdirectory

Patients struggling to afford prescription drugs can find details on programs that provide free or low-cost medication at two clearinghouses, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org or 888-4PPA-NOW) and RxHope (www.rxhope.com ). Partnership for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org) helps match patients to more than 475 private and public programs with aid of an online tool. Has information on other types of assistance such as help with copayments and premiums

 

Enter your prescription at www.rxexaminer.com and the site gives you a price comparison report that lists all retail and online sources of the drug even if there is no generic version of your medication.

 

Before you go to the pharmacy, go to the website for that medication to check for coupons and rebates you can use to reduce your co pay.

www.iguard.org is an online service that makes it easy to look up side effects and potential drug interactions of all your prescription, OTC medications , supplements and herbs. You can also get important news alerts about drug safety and recalls of medications you are taking.

 

www.RxAssist.org allows patients to search a database of patient assistance programs by medication. It provides tip sheets on getting free or low cost medications, information on co pay, generic drugs and other types of assistance programs.

 

Any leftover medications?

Step 1: Locate a place to donate the unused medication. Start with the hospital where your loved one was treated. It may have a program in place to accept the medication. You can also check with your local pharmacy, contact your state Board of Pharmacy or get in touch with SIRUM . Step 2: Make sure your medicine is accepted.

 Find safe online pharmacies: https://safe.pharmacy/buy-safely/

Drug disposal: https://safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal/ 

 Wyoming Medication Donation Program : will accept unused medications and sharps from any state.  

 

Buy the book “How to Save on Prescription Drugs” by Edward Janini. M.D.

 



QUOTES:

Saving on OTC Meds : I used to buy over-the-counter medicine at the Big Box store till one day when I cleaned out my medicine cupboard. I discovered that I had 1/2 jars, bottles, and tubes of expired meds, which I tossed in the trash. When I next went to buy an over-the-counter ointment the doctor recommended, I went to my local ""small town pharmacy"". Not only did he recommend a no-name substitute, he advised me to buy the smaller size, as the condition should clear up in a few days and not reoccur. Since then, I've bought the smallest size for one-time illnesses, the larger sizes for reoccurring illnesses, like colds. Clare from Dollar Stretcher Tips


ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES/Medical EQUIPMENT:

Here are some tips to save money on medical equipment and supplies:


The Best Places To Buy Hearing Aids Under the Updated Law

Assistive Technologies Services No Monthly Fee Medical Alert Systems, Mobility - Vision - Hearing, Security - Communicating

Ways to Save On Medically Related Equipment Not Covered by Insurance 

QUOTES: 

Finding Affordable Medical Equipment: There are a lot of ways to look for the medical equipment you need! Contact several medical supply companies and ask what happens to their used, but still in-good-order equipment. Medicare helps pay for this, but when the patient no longer needs it, they pick it up and take it back to the shop. Advertise on Craigslist and put the word out on Facebook. If your insurance won't help bear the cost, then contact some of the social service agencies for help. S. from Dollar Stretcher Tips


EYEGLASSES/EYE EXAMS:

Here are some tips to save money on eyeglasses and eye exams:


On the temple or the arm of the glasses they have the #'s you will need to order glasses that fit. It will show you the measurements that you need to order the right type online.

Example:  48-18-140

The first number (in this case 48) will give your the lens width, the 2nd number (in the example is 18) the bridge width and the last number (140) the temple or the arm length. 


4 things you need to know about vision insurance

Aging Eyes? 6 Ways To See Savings on Eyeglasses 

How I Found Great Glasses Online for Just $33 

Where To Get Cheap Eye Exams 

The Membership Club With the Cheapest Eye Exams

What To Know About Walmart’s Vision Center

Opternative: Eye Exams From Home: free vision test at home

Clark’s Favorite Place To Buy Affordable Eyeglasses

6 Places To Get Cheap Eye Exams

How To Buy Eyeglasses for As Little as $12

Check coastal.com : provides affordable eye wear

12 Best Places to Buy Prescription Eyeglasses for Cheap (Online / In-Store)

Lookin’ Good! How to Get a Killer Deal on Eyeglasses 

Get Cheap Prescription Eyeglasses: 5 EyeBuyDirect Tips

The Best Places To Buy Eyeglasses

Warby Parker Review: 5 Things To Know Before Buying Glasses  

Zenni Optical Review: 6 Things to Know Before Your First Order

America's Best Contacts & Glasses: 5 Things To Know 

Walmart Vision Center: 5 Things to Know Before Your First Visit 

Where to Get Cheap Eye Exams

Get cheap prescription eyeglasses at www.eyeglassdirect.com where lenses and frames star at just $28

Other places to get prescription glasses at a discount (get a prescription from eye Doctor that includes the PD- pupilary distance first):

ZenniOptical.com - Zenni Optical® Eyeglasses‎

Zenni Optical Review: 6 Things to Know Before Your First Order 

Goggles4u.com - Goggles4u® Official Site‎

 EyeBuyDirect.com - EyeBuyDirect® - Save‎

Best and worst eyeglasses and contact lens stores

14 Secrets to Saving on Eyewear

How to Find Inexpensive, Stylish Eyeglasses

Target Optical Review: 5 Things to Know Before Your Visit 


3 Popular Eyeglasses Shops: Zenni vs EyeBuyDirect vs Warby Parker

onlineglassesreview.com/zenni-vs-eyebuydirect-vs-warby-parker/

Zenni vs. EyeBuyDirect vs. Warby Parker: Prescription Eyeglasses. For our side-by-side comparisons, we chose a similar pair of eyeglasses and sunglasses from each retailer with similar lens treatments to make it as much of an apples-to-apples comparison as possible

CONTACT LENSES:

Here are some tips to save on contact lenses:


America's Best Contacts & Glasses: 5 Things To Know 

The Cheapest Places To Buy Contact Lenses  

A good place for price comparison specific to contact lenses are www.tjoos.com, www.healthpricer.com and www.lensprice.com.

Steps to get cheap contact lenses:

1) Talk to one of the discounters online like Costco or Contact Lenses at 1-800 CONTACTS | World's Largest Contact Lens ...

2) Find out which lenses they sell, what brands that they can sell at free market price

3) Go get a prescription for one of these specific lenses when getting the prescription for the Doctor

Fill your contact lens online for the best deals. A couple of sites to check www.lens.com and www.visiondirect.com

Best and worst eyeglasses and contact lens stores

"I bought contact lenses recently and had forgotten just how much money you can save by purchasing them online! My eye doctor gave me the option of purchasing in-house, but a quick Google search made it clear I’d save a ton of money buying them online. I wound up getting a 2-year supply for under $200 at Lens.com. Pro tip: I actually got a better price than was publicly available by typing into Google the brand name and “price comparison” and I highly recommend you do the same! The Google search looked like: “Air Optix Aqua price comparison” and the price that appeared in the ‘sponsored ads’ section was 30%+ off what I was seeing at various online stores!" From  ChooseFI frugal win of the week

HEARING:

Here are some tips to save on hearing tests and hearing aids:


You can also get a free hearing test at Costco.

Buy cheap hearing aides on Amazon were they are called "psap": PSAPs - AARP

Other place to buy hearing aides at reasonable price: iHear Medical  .  and Walmart

The National Hearing Test is an accurate, validated hearing screening test, developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health. This not-for-profit screening is taken over a telephone to help you determine if you need a complete hearing evaluation. It has no financial connection with any hearing products/services. It can be free for AARP members or can cost $5

MEDICAL TOURISM:

Medical tourism involves traveling to another country to obtain healthcare. Traveling for medical, dental, and cosmetic treatments could save you money. Because healthcare costs in the U.S. are the world’s highest, some people are willing to travel to meet their needs. According to medical-tourism advocacy group Patients Beyond Borders, more than 20 million people worldwide crossed international borders in 2019 for medical tourism. About 2 million of those people traveled from the U.S.

Soaring medical costs are driving Americans abroad for medical treatment. Some US Companies and insurers anxious to lower care costs, are driving the trend by urging employees to be treated in one of a growing number of countries that cater to foreign patients among them Thailand, India, Singapore, Hungary, South Africa, Dubai, Costa Rica and Brazil. If you want to consider this alternative start by checking with your own insurance first to see if they could cover it. The check out the Joint Commission International (JCI) which evaluates and accredits health care facilities abroad at www.jointcommissioninternational.com . The JCI has accredited 130 hospitals serving foreign patients worldwide. Also check the Joint Commission International Center for Patient Safety at www.jcipatientsafety.org and the American Medical Association (AMA Adopts Ethical Guidance on Medical Tourism - drugs.com)  The AMEDEX Global Group Inc. offers emergency travel help and international medical insurance at www.medeassist.com. There are also health travel agencies that plan trips combining medical care and vacations like www.medjourneys.com, www.medretreat.com, www.medicalnomad.com and www.planethospital.com. Also buy the book “Patients Beyond Borders; Everybody’s Guide to Affordable, World-Class Medical Tourism” by Josef Woodman (Healthy Travel Media, 2007) were he tells how to plan and budget for medical care abroad and how to find the best doctors and hospitals. You can also go to his website at www.patientsbeyondborders.com or you can find his list of hospital survey at www.health.usnews.com and look for world hospital research or medtravel.

There are concierge services like www.medretreat.com and www.IndESHealth.com that help with lists of potential hospitals overseas, appointment scheduling, arranging airport pickup and drop off and al kinds of  general help.

Is medical tourism right for you? | Clark Howard

For more information on medical tourism check:

1) Joint Commission International: Patient Safety, Accreditation ...

2) WorldHospitalSearch.org: Find a Gold Seal Hospital

3) Patients Beyond Borders | The most trusted resource in medical travel

MEDICAL PROCEDURES:

Here are some tips to save money on medical procedures:


https://www.morewithlesstoday.com/healthcare-blue-book-fair-prices-for-medical-procedures/

Search the Healthcare Blue Book to find fair prices on health care services and medical treatments in your area. The Healthcare Blue Book is a free resource to help you negotiate a fair price for surgeries, doctor visits, medical tests and more.You can also find and compare prices on labs, cosmetic medicine, dental procedures, and hearing aids.


How to find out beforehand what you will pay: two resources that can help those with high deductible plans, or those who just want some certainty as to what they are paying:


A price comparison website such as Guroo or an app like MyMedicalShopper can help you compare the prices of various procedures, tests, or surgeries among providers in your area.


Check MDSave.com for hundreds of different procedures, scans and tests at a fraction of what you’d pay your local hospital or imaging center through insurance


Check Ulta Lab Tests for a la carte blood testing at extremely reasonable rates and easy scheduling



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Smartshopper reminds you that you have choices when it comes to your health care. If your doctor recommends a particular medical service, SmartShopper can tell you how much that test or procedure costs at different in-network facilities in your area. If you choose a cost-effective option, you can qualify for a cash reward.


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 MASSACHUSETTS:

Eligible state residents of Massachusetts can sign for Commonwealth Choice a new insurance program created by the state’s health care reform law that requires all residents 18 and older to have health insurance. The insurance program offers four levels of coverage _premium, value, basic and young adult. Premiums vary based on a person’s age, as well as by the health plan and benefits package selected. For more information call the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority toll free at 1-877-623-6765 (or 1-877-623-7773 for people with hearing loss), or visit www.mass.gov/connector or www.MAhealthconnector.org

There is a website launched by the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence to make it easier for consumers in Massachusetts become active participant in their own healthcare. The website provides tools  that residents can use to find a Doctor, prepare for medical appointments or surgery and compare hospital quality and patient satisfaction ratings. In addition the site offers tips on taking medications safely and updates on healthcare issues. Visit the site at www.partnershipforhealthcare.org