HealthyLife Articles

Tag: costs

Immunize Or Your Health Care Costs Could Rise

Medical Exams

Vaccines prevent many diseases that could have a costly impact, resulting in doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and premature deaths. Sick children can also cause parents to lose time from work.

* Learn about vaccines you and your children need fromcdc.gov/vaccines.

* Find if and which vaccines are covered benefits of your health plan.

* Contact your local health department about its vaccine services.

* Find out about free or low-cost vaccines for kids from the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program atcdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html.

* Beginning in early fall, read local papers and store ads to find out where flu shots will be given. Find out if and when flu shots will be given at work.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Save By Being A Wise Health Care Consumer

Medical Care

* Before you receive services, know what your plan covers. Find out from your insurance plan’s website handbook, or customer service representative.

* Find out if the cost for 9-1-1 EMS transport is covered or if you need to use a certain ambulance company.

* Choose providers who accept your insurance. Find out if prior approval or a referral is needed for services to be covered.

* Consider a Consumer Driven Health Plan. You pay a higher deductible and pay for health care costs from a tax-exempt health account. With a high-deductible health plan, you can set aside pre-tax money in a health savings account (HSA). Use this to pay for your deductible and medical costs. Money you don’t spend adds up from year to year, to use for future medical expenses.

* Learn if acupuncture and massage therapy fees are covered.

* Get recommended tests, exams, and vaccines.

* Make sure you use covered services, such as dental cleanings, tests and exams, virtual visits, and the Nurse Advice Line.

* Find out about tax breaks for medical expenses fromirs.gov.

* Stay informed of changes in health care offerings on national and state levels.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make The Most Of Your Health Care Dollars

SELF-CARE CORNER

So you’ve got that high deductible health plan or flexible spending account. How can you save money-and spend your dollars wisely? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware offers these suggestions:

*Stay in-network.Make sure your doctors, laboratory, and hospital are a part of your health plan’s provider network so you save on copays and coinsurance amounts.

*Use alternatives to emergency services.A visit to the hospital ER is generally unnecessary for issues such as the flu, minor cuts and sprains, or urinary tract infections. Overall costs are usually lower at walk-in clinics and urgent care centers. Check your health plan’s provider directory for nearby centers.

*Take the tests.Receive the screenings, tests, vaccines, and other care that your plan covers, as recommended by your doctor. When you and your family stay healthy, you can avoid doctor visits and time off from work.

*Take your medicine.To receive the full benefit of your medicine, remember to take the recommended dosage for as long as your doctor prescribes it. People who take their medicine as prescribed need less health care-and less expensive care. If you don’t understand how to take your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

*Find the best price for the medication you need.Always ask if a generic prescription drug or an over-the-counter (OTC) drug would be best for you. For any brand-name drug, research the manufacturer before you fill the prescription. Then check its website for any discount coupons or free copay programs that may be available for that drug.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026