Main Street Finance

4 Ways to Reduce the Financial Burden of Health Costs

By Jeff

Unfortunately, the health care system has caused an overwhelming amount of financial stress on American citizens for some time now. Medical bills and premium payments can add up to enormous figures. At times, it may feel as if you’ve dug a medical payment hole that is impossible to climb out of. There are, however, several ways to reduce the financial burden of health costs and limit the stress caused by these issues. Follow the four steps below and you’ll be feeling relief in no time:

Select the Right Insurance Coverage for You and Your Family

The very first step in reducing the financial burden of health care is to set yourself up for success. Never sign up for exorbitant insurance payments without first knowing your options. Consider the type of coverage you need, and don’t pay for the things that are unnecessary. There are many insurance companies out there (such as Health Insurance Innovations) that provide coverage at a more reasonable rate than some of the big-name agencies. Many agencies are even turning to web-based solutions. Check out this guide for selecting the right insurance plan.

Take Advantage of Free Clinics

Every little visit to the doctor can add up to become quite a large sum. What many people do not realize is that there are tons of free clinics throughout the country that offer screenings, shots, and consultations for free. Start by searching for free clinics in your area and head to the nearest location for a free check up.

Sign Up for Office Wellness Incentives

Did you know that almost 90% of companies offer some type of wellness incentives to their employees? This means that you can take a wellness exam, agree to exercising regularly, or get regular check ups from the doctor and receive bonuses from your employer. This is a great way to stay healthy and take care of your body while also adding money to your bank account, rather than depleting it.

Open a Health Savings Account

A health savings account is a fantastic way to put some money aside for any future medical expenses. Many insurance providers offer this as an option within your plan, but you can also set this account up on your own with your bank. Using an HSA gives you some cushion if you have an unforeseen health issue pop up that you were not budgeting for. We can all hope that this never happens to us, but as the saying goes it is “better safe than sorry” when it comes to medical issues.

These four easy steps can help lift some of the burden of medical finances off of your shoulders, but if you are still feeling the pressure there are many other ways to save money on health care.

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