Bargain Central

(From our April 2012 Issue)

Reducing Healthcare Costs

Making healthcare affordable, if not universal, is an enormous issue currently under debate during this presidential election. We’ve all heard bits and pieces of each of their plans, neither of which immediately resolve the current state of the healthcare industry’s economic affect on the average family. Many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet, trying to reduce fuel consumption by any means possible, let alone keeping a roof over their heads. When inevitably, a family member becomes ill, requiring the costly expense of medical care.

The continuous rising costs of healthcare affect both young and old alike. Haven’t you always noticed how the elderly are leery of visiting a doctor or going to the hospital? I always thought, before I knew better, that it was mostly due to them dreading a routine doctor’s visit turning into a discovery of an unforeseen major medical problem. When in actuality, it’s for the same reasons we tend to think, (I really mean hope) over-the-counter drugstore purchases will keep the doctor away. When that doesn’t work, we’re calling for backup (Mom) on the phone, trying to obtain a traditional home remedy to cure what ails us. Being from the south, some of those cures I do not even want to mention publicly for fear of you not taking my advice seriously in the future (LOL-if you’re not familiar with that common text message slang --just ask your kids, they’ll know).

Another annoying misconception is thinking our employer’s health plan will provide affordable coverage after retirement, well into our old age. Well, I hate to break that bubble, but did you know that once you retire at many companies, you have to foot the entire cost of your health plan insurance? I thought my employer would still pay his portion and I pay mine. But, recently when a co-worker retired, I regrettably learned that what you really get is the option to continue in your company’s health plan and you pay for it, all of it. That is beneficial for those with a pre-existing medical condition, which would most likely increase the cost of their health insurance when seeking a new plan elsewhere. Nearly $750 or more a month is the going rate if you stay under your employer’s plans, which for some that is nearly a house payment (maybe apartment rental costs, depending on what part of town you live in). The point is, who could afford that once they have retired, or heaven forbid, lost their job? Even if this doesn’t affect you now-- one day it will. Falling ill is inevitable and comes with a price. Don’t wait until you are ready to or nearing retirement age to learn the hard way. The next time there’s a presidential debate on healthcare, pay close attention, because it affects us all.

In the meantime, here are some ways you can fight back from being overcharged for medical bills. If your health insurance completely covers hospital and doctor visits, these steps might not be necessary, though making the extra effort to eliminate overcharges can help bring down medical costs for everyone.

Ask for a daily-itemized bill-When you check into the hospital, tell the staff member who writes down your insurance information that you want an itemized bill brought to your bed every day. Hospitals are required to provide this upon request. Review these bills daily. Here are a few good examples why this makes sense 1) you are billed for two doctor visits even though you saw a doctor only once that day; 2) you are billed for tests that you don’t recall having; 3) or there are vague entries, such as “miscellaneous costs” or “lab fees”.

Bypass the hospital’s pharmacy-Hospitals dramatically overcharge for drugs. If you’re already taking medications on an ongoing basis and are not fully covered by insurance, bring the drugs with you to the hospital. Consult your doctor prior to coming to the hospital about which drugs you’re likely to be given and ask him/her to write you a prescription to purchase at your local drugstore. You can also ask your doctor to specify generics whenever possible after entering the hospital to further reduce hospital pharmacy costs.

Watch for double billing-Hospitals often bill patients twice for certain things. If your bill lists sheets and pillows, ask the hospital’s patient advocate if these items are included in your daily room rate. If you’re billed for scrubs, masks, and gloves worn by surgical staff, find out if these were included in your bill for operating room time. To find medical bill advocates, contact Medical Bill Advocates of America at 540-387-5870, or www.billadvocates.com or Medical Bill Review at 530-221-4759, www.ambr.com.

Don’t pay for your last day - Hospital patients are charged the full day’s room rate for the day they check in even if they arrive at 11:59 pm. In exchange, patients are not supposed to be charged for their last day, but hospitals often try to bill for the final day anyway. Sometimes, these last-day room bills are simply removed when you complain, but there are hospitals that insist the last day charge is legitimate for patients who aren’t discharged by a certain hour, often by noon. Simply ask your patient advocate during your stay if you’ll be billed for the last day. If the answer is yes, ask what time, then ask your doctor on the next-to-last day to schedule your final checkup and discharge the next morning, rather than waiting until the afternoon.

Hopefully, you get the idea of disputing hidden medical charges, and I’ve only named a few. Often your intuition is right on when you feel you’re being overcharged. The next time your inner-self is skeptical over medical fees, don’t be afraid to inquire. The average overcharge is about $1,000 according to the People’s Medical Society, a non-profit medical consumer. Finally, be aware that your insurance coverage might not be as comprehensive as you think—call your carrier or review the exclusions section of your policy. Stay healthy and informed on the current healthcare debates, and remember eliminating overcharges can help bring down medical costs for everyone.

If you have any local or national bargains to share with the community, email us or comment below.