How to save money on Healthcare
In our family, we have a child with special needs, I’ve been facing some medical issues, and Nick has some chronic hereditary medical issues that he takes medication for on a daily basis.
With so many issues, it is necessary and practical for me to use the internet to try and find discounts to help us save where we can.
I often get friends, family, and readers sending me messages asking where I find out about these discounts, so I thought I’d share some resources that I use with you, so you too know how to save money on Health Care Products.
- Prescriptions: I start by asking our doctors for free samples, if they have them. Our insurance coverage has changed. One of Aaron’s medications is no longer on “the plan” and it’s $250 a month. His doctor gets me free samples to last until the next visit. The manufacturer also has a plan to get 1 month free and caps the co-pay at $25 per month for 12 months, which is our next alternative if samples aren’t available.
- Over the Counter Medications: As a blogger, I’ve been fortunate to join a couple of Ambassador programs for a few medications we use monthly. This allows me to get samples for us to use and share, and coupons to use and share. I also visit each companies website, Facebook, and Twitter pages looking for coupons and discount codes. Be sure to follow brands you are loyal to, and check in on them regularly. Keep a spreadsheet or checklist to help you remember and don’t be afraid to sign up for their newsletters to keep you informed.
- Price Check: I check and compare prices in discount stores, pharmacies, big box stores, warehouse stores, and Amazon to make sure I am getting the best price per item on things we use regularly, and I keep an updated spreadsheet on my Google Drive.
- I check for online coupons at sites such as Retail Me Not, Ebates, Groupon, Google Shopping, eBay Deals, and Living Social.
- Vision: For glasses, I check prices at Zenni Optical, Eye Glass Direct, and Eye Buy Direct; for contacts I check 1-800-CONTACTS. I can often get discounts cheaper than my vision plan offers at the Eye Dr, or I can use my benefits online for greater savings. (I found a coupon code for a FREE Trial Pair of Air Optix which I believe must be redeemed at the eye doctor, but might be helpful while you wait on your online order to arrive!) Rebates are sometimes available online too, for greater savings.
- Dental: We have excellent Dental Insurance that covers normal exams for our entire family. If you don’t get that through your employer, check online, there are insurance and discount plans available. Also remember to brush and floss twice daily, and to use mouthwash. Preventative care is key. Check the personal care section at Coupons.Com and Redplum to see if they have any active coupons on the brands your family enjoys.
Cindy Merrill says
Or better yet, learn how to make home made remedies for a fraction of the cost of over the counter drugs. Here’s one that works: HOMEMADE Cough Syrup: Boil one cup black-strap or Sorgum molasses with one fourth cup apple cider vinegar until syrup coats spoon and forms a firm ball in cold water. Add 1 small raw finely diced onion, stir and remove from heat. Pour into buttered dish and serve. The molasses provides nutrients, the vinegar kills bacteria and clears your throat, the onion helps to clear your sinuses.
Ashley says
I have visited your blog and read your content. Thanks for sharing good information about health care products.