Be Well, Pay Less: 10 Tips to Get Better Premiums for Health insurance

Please share this story:

According to a survey 20% of American families struggle to settle a medical bill every year. Having access to health care doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best or the cheapest.

Regardless of the government health care plans, it’s important that you shop around for better premiums health insurance providers that are suitable for you and your dependents. Getting sick or injured is beyond your control. But when it does happen, you want to know that your health insurer can cover the cost of treatment without expecting you to pay exorbitant premiums.

Read on to discover 10 of the best ways you can get better premiums for your health insurance.

1. Don’t Judge a Health Plan by Its Price Tag

It may sound weird but, the price attached to a particular healthcare plan isn’t always the bottom line. So, don’t be too quick to write off a particular plan simply because the price appears to be a little daunting. There’s usually a catch hidden somewhere in the fine print.

For instance, say you choose a policy with a high deductible. It means that you’ll end up paying less in premiums. However, in the instance there’s a claim, you’ll end up paying a lot more due to the deductible.

What you actually need to consider is how much you’ll have paid by the end of the policy term. Therefore important factors you should consider are:

  • What amount can you afford to pay out of pocket
  • Does your family have any special medical needs
  • How much can you get in tax credits and subsidies
  • Is SR22 insurance included in the plan? (Check my sr22 status)

These will play an integral part in lowering health insurance costs.

2. Brokers Will Keep You from Going Broke

Navigating the murky waters of the health insurance marketplace can be quite confusing. So if you’re wondering how to save money on health insurance without a true aerial view of the industry players, the answer is, you can’t.

Having a broker will help with the legwork. They’re not allied to any insurance company so you can trust that they’re on your side.

Present them with your medical insurance plan budget and your expectations. They’re best placed to give you the all the available options out there.

Don’t worry about their fees. They get their commission from the insurance company you eventually decide to go with.

3. Countercheck Your Medical Bill to Spot Billing Errors

This top-rated tip for how to save on health insurance premiums advises consumers to consistently review medical bills with a fine-tooth comb. Ask for an itemized list indicating the cost of procedures, medication supplies used, and medication prescribed.

You’re probably thinking, “Well, how’s that my problem?” Checking to see that there are no errors will save you money on what you’d potentially have to pay out of pocket. Aside from this, it’s important to remember that inflated costs to health insurance companies often get passed on to the consumer.

4. Read Your Policy Before Signing on the Dotted Line

To get value for your money, ensure you understand what various insurance jargon means. For instance, in order to make an accurate comparison learning what terms like “deductibles”, “copay”, “coinsurance”, and “lifetime maximums” mean will certainly come in handy.

5. Negotiate to Get Better Premiums Health Insurance Plans

It would be impossible to ask for a discount in the middle of a medical emergency. The health care professionals may request for a head scan just to ensure that you don’t have a concussion as well!

But, all jokes aside, a few ways in which you can negotiate for a reduction in potential medical costs include asking for a discount:

  • for paying in advance for a medical procedure scheduled for a later date
  • when paying in cash

6. Consider Alternatives to Conventional Health Insurance

Health insurance is largely an individual affair. However, many people aren’t aware of the fact that that they are eligible for group-insurance benefits through professional as well as other member associations they are a part of.

List all the associations you’re a member of and explore the healthcare insurance benefits you can take advantage of. When looking for how to reduce health insurance costs, you’ll be surprised by how much you’ll save on your premiums.

7. Get Premium Discounts Through Using New Technologies

Buy insurance from companies that incentivize their customers to use new technologies in return for lower premiums. For instance, some insurers offer clients the option of using a fitness tracker in exchange for a discount on premiums. If you think about it, this minimizes the risk for both parties.

8. Save Money on Your Prescription Medication

Are you currently on long term prescription medication? Talk to your insurance provider and find out if they have any wiggle room in their healthcare plan for the drugs. Does the policy cover the drugs or are you required to pay out of pocket?

Check to see how the cost of the medication ranks on your insurer’s drug list. Also, see if they’re willing to offer any discount and compare that with what the others are offering.

9. Beware of Unnecessary Medical Tests and Procedures

One of the best health insurance tips we recommend involves having a discussion with your doctor about the tests and procedures they’ve ordered for. Weigh the necessary ones vs. the precautionary ones and let them explain what their concerns are. Having open communication with your health care provider will save you costs in the long run.

10. Compare Rates Offered by Different Health Care Providers

First, confirm that your health insurance plan allows you to choose from different providers. If it doesn’t, chances are that your options are quite limited and you may have to pay more.

If it does, call the different facilities and inquire what the going rate is for the services you anticipate to use. It would be best to do this way in advance.

The costs of the Emergency Room may run higher than those at your local clinic. It all boils down to effective planning.

Final Thoughts

The main cause of bankruptcy globally is the rising costs associated with healthcare. The government paints a bright future for health care in the country. However, until that time comes, it’s entirely up to you to take control of your health insurance and make it work for you and your family.

Getting better premiums health insurance options is as simple as implementing the tips described in this article. If you are a first-time insurance buyer, check out these helpful tips to keep you from getting overwhelmed.

Previous articleR. Kelly Makes Buys Freedom, But Can’t Pay Back Child Support
Next articleTexas Small Businesses are Dropping Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Melissa Thompson

Melissa is a mother of 2, lives in Utah, and writes for a multitude of sites. She is currently the EIC of HarcourtHealth.com and writes about health, wellness, and business topics.