But these health care experts say there are actually tons of ways to save money on everything from prescription meds to health screenings—that is, if you know where to look and what to ask. Here, they lend their tips on how to shave a few dollars off that next health care bill. But Ashford cautions that you should never sacrifice care just to save a buck. “If the situation is life-threatening, the ER is where you want to be,” she says. “If it’s something serious, but no one’s in immediate danger, urgent care will be the cheaper place to go, and you’ll probably get seen sooner.” RELATED: The Standard Breast Cancer Screening Exams Every Woman Should Know About RELATED: These Job Perks Are Basically Free Money Also, see if it’s possible to buy prescription medication in a three-month supply. Research has shown you can save almost 30 percent in out-of-pocket costs by opting for a 90-day vs. 30-day supply. RELATED: How to Navigate the World of Telemedicine and Get the Virtual Care You Need Alternatively, your child might be able to save by opting for their own plan. It all depends on how the numbers work in your situation. “If your child is in college, they may have access to a super affordable health plan through their school, and you may have expensive, not-so-great coverage through your employer,” Ashford says. “On the other hand, if your coverage is fantastic, it may be cheaper to keep them on your policy.” Talk to your company’s advocacy service if you have one, and don’t be afraid to suggest a new program to HR. “If it’s important to you, it’s probably important to your coworkers as well,” she says.
