Saving Money

Cutting Healthcare Costs:

Despite the $1 trillion dollars we spend on health care, average annual health care costs per person in the U.S. exceeds $3000. Lifetime costs per person are nearing $225,000. - from WELCOA, the Wellness Councils of America.

Health care costs are rising. And with rapid advances in health care technology we're likely to live longer - and pay more in medical costs. To help you reduce the money you pay on health care, this booklet has two parts.The first part is designed to give you strategies for cutting the costs of health care through prevention, lowering prescription drug costs, and by making sure hospital stays don't cost more than they should.

The second half of this booklet offers strategies for lowering health insurance costs. Many people don't have adequate health insurance because of the cost.We offer strategies for making it more affordable.

At Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc., we've counseled thousands of consumers in financial crisis. Often medical bills or high health care costs were part of the problem. If you're having financial difficulties, we want to help!

Prevention Is the Best Cure

The best way to cut health care costs is to avoid them altogether. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies: Sure, you know they're good for your health, but how about your pocketbook? Research has found that middle-aged men with the highest intake of fruits and vegetables (at least 42 cups per month) had the lowest total annual Medicare charges at $11,416, and the lowest charges specifically related to heart disease. In contrast, the men with the lowest intake of fruits and vegetables (fewer than 14 cups per month) had the highest total annual Medicare charges at $14,655.That's a difference of over $3000 a year! So find fruits and veggies you like, and enjoy them!

Get Moving: Employees who don't exercise have $864 more in direct healthcare costs, says MyExercisePlan.com.They also point out that obesity now accounts for a whopping $100 billion annually in direct and indirect costs, and that recent research shows that overweight and obese employees have medical bills up to $1,500 greater a year than those of people of healthy weight. General Electric employees who participated in a fitness program, however, reduced their health care costs by 38% in an 18-month period, while health care costs increased by 21% for those who didn't participate. A regular exercise program can translate into lower health care expenses for you and your family and it doesn't have to be expensive. A daily walk in the morning, at lunch, or after dinner can do the trick.

Take Control: Wellness Councils of America has found that approximately 70% of the entire burden of illnesses and associated costs in the United States are linked to preventable illnesses.These may also include tobacco use; high-risk alcohol consumption; sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutritional habits. Increased stress levels also contribute to illness.While there are some illnesses that are not preventable or treatable without medication, there are many that are. Only you can decide to take control of your health. It's well worth it.