Solutions to Health-Care Problems

From skyrocketing insurance premiums to outrageous prescription drug charges, the cost of health care is a problem for both the uninsured and people with health insurance. Some families cut costs by only going in for required testing, and other families try to cut costs by avoiding medical coverage as much as possible. However, both approaches can potentially leave the family in both financial and medical turmoil.

Medical Coverage

• Having access to a doctor when you need one isn't a benefit shared by everyone. The rising cost of insurance means that record numbers of families are uninsured or underinsured. Skyrocketing premiums force many families to drop medical coverage completely, relying on the emergency room for medical care instead of visiting a family physician. The solution to this health-care problem is simply to find medical coverage that's right for your family. If you have coverage through your employer, check to see if you can raise or lower your deductible as needed to accommodate your family's needs. To lower your premium, raise your deductible. You might also consider an insurance plan with a co-pay, allowing you to pay a set fee for every doctor visit, instead of allowing it all to apply to your deductible.

Alternative Health Insurance

• Still, there are individuals that, no matter how much research they do, they cannot afford typical medical coverage. For individuals within a certain low-income bracket, Medicaid is available. States administer the program, but applying individuals must meet both federal and state eligibility requirements. Beneficiaries of the service don't receive payments directly--just like any insurance coverage, Medicaid sends payments to the health care provider. Sometimes Medicaid requires a co-payment. Medicare is another health insurance option for individuals over the age of 65 or with certain mental and physical disabilities. For families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, the federally established State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is available, through state-administered programs, to make sure that minors always have medical coverage.

Preventative Care

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately half of all chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma, are preventable. However, 75 percent of all 2007 health care dollars went towards treating chronic diseases, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. People who are both uninsured and underinsured try to cut corners by skimping on preventative care. The Barriers to Health Care Services study conducted by the CHOICE Regional Health Network found that most adult consumers on limited incomes do not take advantage of preventative-care opportunities. However, routine visits to the doctor to check the well-being of your body can actually save health care dollars in the end because it gives you the opportunity to catch and treat any potential conditions before it becomes an emergency. To cut costs on preventative care, find an insurance plan that offers discounted or free visits for preventative visits. You might also consider taking advantage of preventative-care opportunities offered by your local health department or free/discounted screenings at locations throughout your community.

Prescription Medication

• Political pundits generally focus on the high cost of prescription medication for the elderly. However, the truth is that high prescription prices affect people of all ages. To save money on prescription medication, ask your doctor if there's a generic form available,or if you can try a cheaper drug in the same class. Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to know the specific prescription coverage offered. If you don't have prescription coverage on your insurance plan, check to see if it's a feasible option. You can save hundreds of dollars with insurance. Your insurance carrier also can help you save money by offering a discount when you receive long-term prescription medication through the mail. In addition, drug companies sometimes offer discounted prices to people who need help paying for prescriptions. Obtain the drug manufacturer's contact information from your doctor.