By Linsey B. Knerl

Healthcare isn’t cheap, and for those of us who require prescription eyeglasses, contacts, and medications, getting by can be nearly impossible. I won’t tell you that skipping your regular appointment is a good idea. In fact, seeing a qualified physician before trouble starts is the best way to take control of your healthcare costs. But when you leave your appointment, your obligation to pay extra ends.

A regular eye exam, for example, may cost between $50 and $200 dollars. Did you know that you can take your prescription and measurements with you and have anyone fill your glasses or contacts order? Assuming you don’t have special needs for eyewear, you can save big bucks by having contacts ordered from one of several online wholesalers. Savings can range from 10-50% over retail (and more if you stock up). Eyeglasses can also be purchased online for considerable savings. Don’t have your prescription info? Most retailers will get it directly from your doctor and process your order in 2-3 days.

Doctor’s fees are often high, even for standard care. If you can see a Physician Assistant or a clinic located in a large grocery store, you may save a substantial amount over your regular physician. Walk-in and emergency visits in a traditional office can be higher, so plan ahead if you have the luxury. Medications are becoming manageable, assuming you can get a generic stand-in for your brand name needs. Most pharmacists will automatically give you generic meds, unless you specify otherwise. At several big-box and major grocers, the generic drugs can cost as little as $4.

Changing pharmacists may be a hassle, but it can also offer major cash incentives. Several pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS, and Target, give gift cards for every new transferred prescription. Used for future non-prescription purchases, they can lessen the cost of over-the-counter remedies that are often as expensive as prescription drugs.

If you are having a hard time paying for your medication, consider asking for help. Many of the major drug companies offer some form of assistance to low-income patients. To find out about the plans offered by each company, visit their website and look for a link to their “prescription assistance” plan.

Dental care is often not covered by insurance. Although the basic cleaning and preventative visits aren’t horribly high-priced, filling a cavity or needing a procedure could definitely break the bank. If you don’t qualify for dental insurance, a discount plan may be the way to go. For most adults, a discount plan can cut costs in half, and will run you far less per year in premiums than paying 100% of your own dental does. (It should be noted that dental health has been closely linked to heart disease and other serious conditions. If it has been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, see about getting in. Many dentists will make payment plans with a small upfront deposit.)

As we approach a period of uncertainty for healthcare in this country, self-sufficiency will become a growing trend. Do your research, be weary of anything that looks to good to be true, and look out for one another. We want you to live a long, long time!