Will you be covered?
According to the National Coalition on Healthcare, annual health care spending in the U.S.has been increasing two to fivetimes the rate of inflation since 2000. These increases mean escalating health insurance costs for businesses and families.
Many workers and their families are feeling the rising cost of healthcare premiums. Millions of workers have no health insurance coverage because many employers cannot afford to provide health benefits.
Even if employers provide health insurance, the employees' share of insurance premiums is too expensive for many families. As a result, a large number of families have no healthcare coverage or are having difficulties paying medical bills.
Many workers and their families are feeling the rising cost of healthcare premiums. Millions of workers have no health insurance coverage because many employers cannot afford to provide health benefits.
Even if employers provide health insurance, the employees' share of insurance premiums is too expensive for many families. As a result, a large number of families have no healthcare coverage or are having difficulties paying medical bills.
Are You Worried?
You should be...
As you can see, healthcare premiums are expected to rise even more. For those of us struggling now, it's only going to get worse. When polled about economic problems during the 2008 election, Americans ranked the rising healthcare costs right up there with the costs to fill our gas tanks.
Hopefully, President-elect Obama will make an impact and reform healthcare so Americans can stop worrying about how to pay for prescriptions and dental/medical bills.
Until then, what can you do if you are struggling to pay medical bills or don't have healthcare coverage?
Ways To Save
Lead a healthy lifestyle - Make sure your BMI, blood pressure, glucose levels, and cholesterol are within the recommended limits. Exercise regularly.Wash your hands. - Most germs are spread from your hand to your mouth or eyes. Keeping your hands clean can reduce this risk.
Quit Smoking - No explanation necessary...
Keep track of your medical expenses. - Keep all receipts for medical expenses and prescriptions so you can claim it on your taxes at the end of the year. Also keep a log of your mileage.
Take advantage of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - If your employer offers FSA, sign up! This program will allow you to set aside a portion of your earnings to pay for qualified expenses such as including co-pays, prescriptions, and even over the counter items. The money isn't subject to payroll taxes, resulting in a substantial payroll tax savings.
If you don't have health or dental insurance, get a discount membership. - Although it's not insurance, discount memberships can save you a lot of money on doctor/dentist visits, prescriptions, eyeglasses, and more. Programs like Procard International can save you 10%-60% on Dental, Optical, Prescription and Physician services at over 350,000 providers nationwide. These programs are easy to use and usually require no special paperwork, no pre-activation examination, and have no age limits or health restrictions. Procard International offers a 30-day guaranteed risk FREE membership and one membership covers an entire family.
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by geni643
I am owner of WorkatHomeClinic.com. I established the website in 2005 after a long search for a way to leave the corporate world and become a stay at... (more)
