Each year, health and dental insurance plans keep going up. This year is no different. It seems that as the prices increases, fewer benefits are offered to patients, and we are at the mercy of the health insurance providers. To keep your families safe and financially protect yourself in the case of a healthcare emergency, you need insurance. There are always options. There are always pros and cons to consider.
The few things I have learned over the past couple of years are as follow:
It is always better to get service from an In-Network, than an Out-of-Network provider.
It cost zero dollars for preventive care, lab work, and x-rays completed at a freestanding and site of service lab.
If you have a health issue that is not major, it is advisable to wait to schedule an appointment with your primary health care provider. The next option is to schedule an appointment at an Urgent Care facility. If it is an emergency, then the obvious choice is to go to the Emergency Room. If you can drive, that’s preferable. If not, there will be a fee for the ambulance ride.
If your doctor happens to prescribe you a medication, always ask if there is a Tier 1 option, typically the generic brand. The next choice is the Tier 2 option, which is generally the preferred brand, followed by Tier 3. When your doctor prescribes you a Tier 2 or Tier 3 medication, it is also advisable to ask if there are any co-pay cards or discounts from manufacturers, which you can also google.
Recently, I was informed that you could not be on Medicaid to receive those co-pay cards and discounts. So, if you are experiencing financial hardship and need to receive healthcare assurance from the government, you will have to pay full cost for those Tier 2 or Tier 3 medications, which is SUCKs by the way. Lastly, Tier 4 medications are specialty drugs for diseases such as HIV/Aids. One thing I still don’t understand the meaning of is coinsurance. I hope I never have to find out.
Lastly, if you are a woman planning to have a baby, know that both you and your newborn baby will get a nice bill for your hospital stay—you for giving birth, and your baby for being born. Welcome to the world, little one. You are now in debt!