Make Meds And Doctor Visits More Affordable With These Healthcare Hacks
Healthcare costs don’t seem to be getting any cheaper.



Over 2,000 programs and adding every day.
But there are moves you can make to ensure it’s more affordable, and we’ll discuss them now.
How much is your health worth? The probable answer is that it’s priceless because you won’t be alive for your loved ones without your health. That’s why no matter how expensive medical care gets, we still receive it when needed. Unfortunately, this is also why so many people go bankrupt due to medical bills they can’t pay.
What are your options when it comes to costly medical care? You could avoid it altogether, which would lead to undesirable or even deadly results. Or you could do things to lower your healthcare costs, such as these:
Use the Drugstore as Your Clinic
Why do so many people avoid going to the doctor at all costs? It’s either that they don’t like the thought of sitting in a waiting room or are scared of the doctor. Or the costs themselves keep them away.
Studies show that since 2002, fees for primary care visits have increased. That has left many to seek more affordable alternatives, and it looks like we have some on the horizon.
Full-service clinics are now popping up at drugstores. They’re staffed fully with nurse practitioners and even primary care doctors, so you can get diagnostic tests, help with ailments, and more. Best of all, you can get that care similar to a doctor’s office, but at much lower rates.
As for where you can find such setups, you can expect 700 Walgreens’ Village Medical clinics within the next five years. Before this year is over, Walmart Health expects clinics of its own in dozens of states. CVS is planning the same with over 1,500 HealthHUBs. Look online to see if any of these clinics are opening near you.
Compare Hospital Prices
If you need surgery or a diagnostic test from a hospital, you may be wary of getting it due to a high health insurance deductible that could empty your bank account. Before getting that care, make sure you find the most affordable option by comparing hospital prices.
This is a new benefit that just took effect this year. Hospitals must reveal costs they’ve negotiated with insurance companies to the public, which gives you the upper hand on choosing where to go.
You can see a hospital’s prices by calling their billing department or visiting their website. By doing so, you could save hundreds of dollars with just a little bit of research.
Use Amazon for Prescriptions
You may already use Amazon for household items and other goodies. Use them for prescriptions, and you could save a pretty penny.
Amazon recently launched a new pharmacy that claims it can save you 40 percent on brand-name drugs and 80 percent on generics. The prescriptions are not only cheap, but they’re also convenient as you can get free two-day shipping or pick them up at over 50,000 pharmacies.
Pharmacy.Amazon.com perks work if you’re a Prime member. And even if you have insurance, you can use the service to see if your meds will be cheaper with insurance or without so you can snag the most savings.