How to survive without health coverage

Smart way to decrease health care costs

• Save on medications. Consider generic drugs, home delivery and over-the-counter alternatives. Shop and compare prices and don’t forget discounts offered at big-box retailers and grocery stores.

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DOCTOR IS IN

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• Stay in-network. You can typically save a lot of money if you see one of your insurer’s “in network” providers. Contact your provider to find out which doctors, hospitals and facilities are considered in network.

• Call for follow-ups. If your test results are normal, your doctor may discuss the results of common lab tests over the phone, saving you a copay for an office visit.

• Use a flexible spending account. FSAs help you budget health-related costs and reduce your tax bill. Covered expenses include prescription co-pays, dental care, vision, and many medications. For a complete list of eligible expenses, visit www.irs.gov.

• Consult an advocate. The Patient Advocate Foundation, for instance, helps people with chronic, debilitating and life-threatening conditions negotiate medical bills and insurance; www.patientadvocate.org.

• Triage your needs. Some physicians offer same-day appointments that are less expensive than urgent care. Only go to the emergency room for life-threatening and very serious conditions. If you’re not sure, contact your doctor’s office or a hospital nurse line.

• Compare care rates. Whether you need an urgent care, hospital or outpatient center, shop around and compare rates. Try www.georgiahealthinfo.gov.

• Stay healthy. Manage your health with proper immunization and screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes before problems develop.

• Maximize health plan services. Take advantage of low-or no-cost programs such as smoking cessation or weight management, discounts on wellness products or even wellness coaching by phone or online.

Source: Cigna, staff reports

GET THE CARE YOU NEED

Whether you’re underinsured or uninsured, options are available to help you get the care you need:

• COBRA. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act extends an employee’s access to health care benefits for up to 18 months after leaving a job.

• Care Credit. Accepted by over 100,000 providers, the card provides revolving payment options; www.carecredit.com.

• State plans. The Department of Community Health administers Medicaid, PeachCare for kids and other programs for impoverished families; www.communityhealth.state.ga.us

• Clinics. Free health clinics are available in most cities and drug and grocery stores provide care for common conditions such as strep throat, ear infections and minor burns. Also, check mobile health clinics offered by nonprofits and other organizations.

• Together Rx Access. A recently launched program provides participants with a card to save 25 percent to 40 percent on brand-name prescription products; www.togetherRxAccess.com

• Partnership for Prescription Assistance. A clearinghouse for more than 475 public and private programs.

• Ask about patient financial assistance programs; 1-888-477-2669, www.pparx.org.

Source: staff reports