Right now we are without health insurance, and it sucks! Every year my husbands employer seems to screw it up and we get dropped. We will have insurance again in January when enrollment is open again. *Don’t worry, my daughter is covered, just not me or my husband.
This whole year while we had insurance, we didn’t really use it. Isn’t it funny how that all works?
With flu season here (especially H1N1) I know it is important to keep myself healthy and get myself checked out as soon as possible before things get worse.
For the first time in my adult life it seems I have developed and ear infection. I am not even sure it is an ear infection, but my right ear hurts and and I feel pressure that just will not go away. Maybe it is sinus related. It was not going away on its own so I knew I had to see my doctor.
So here I give you some tips on how to save money if you are uninsured and have to self pay. *Only for minor illnesses*
1. Believe it or not, it is not more economical to go to a walk in or drugstore clinic. IF you have a doctor you have an established relationship with, it is usually cheaper to make an appointment with them and self pay, instead of going the clinic route. When you make your appointment make sure you tell them you are self pay, and then TELL YOUR DOCTOR. If he is nice, like my doctor, he will give you the lowest pay option. Also ask for the free antibiotics first, and any samples if they have them available. Of course, some prescriptions do not have a free or reduced price substitute, but make sure to ask.
2. If you know what your illness is try calling your doctor and have them call in a prescription. I have done this many times and have never had to pay the appointment fee. Again, you can only do this with an established Doctor.
3. Talk to your Pharmacy about an out of pocket prescription plan. For the most part I use Target Pharmacy (Except when I use Publix for the free antibiotics). Target has an EXCELLENT prescription plan for those who do not have prescription coverage. Can you believe I have a prescription that is CHEAPER than my copay was with insurance?
In the end I paid $57 for the doctors appointment, and got a free prescription. This was still way cheaper than the walk-in clinics that start at around $70. I also like the fact that I can still see my doctor who I trust and have a history with.
Even if you are without health insurance, don’t deny yourself medical treatment. If you know you will be without insurance for awhile check into your local health department for your options.
Mardi Gras Feb. 13th-16th 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I know how it feels to be without health insurance. I could no longer afford mine after I had my daughter and probably will go without for who knows how long. Our walk in clinics are actually cheaper than the doctor’s office. My primary charges $150 just to walk in to the friggin door, it’s insane. But Walmart has some great $4 prescriptions.
And thank you for thinking of me this week, it means a lot to have so many people I’ve never “met” care about me.
Check out this fun, short video. It makes you wonder why our health care system is set up the way it is.