What Can You Do To Help Contain Health Care Costs?

A Lot!!!

An individual can play a vital role in controlling their own and effectively others’ health care costs across the board. Following a few essential "common sense" steps can have a significant impact on what is paid out of pocket for health care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona suggests taking the following steps:

• Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle
• Add exercise to your daily routine: following through with little steps to add exercise to your day will have a big impact in the long run
• Discover the benefits of good nutrition
• Get enough sleep
• If you need to – quit smoking & lose weight: There are many supportive resources available for you to utilize
• Use Generic Medications: Ask your doctor if a generic medication is available and is appropriate for you
• Use mail order when available to help you save on maintenance medications
• Use an Urgent Care Center (when appropriate): For minor illness and injuries instead of going to the emergency room, this will save you time and money
• Take an Active Role in Your Personal Health Care: Be your own advocate!
• Get regular check-ups & utilize health screenings
• Establish a primary care physician
• Understand your plan benefits before you use them
• Learn how to manage your asthma or diabetes
• Optimize your health plans available benefits
• Take advantage of community resources
• Make informed decisions

Also, be sure take advantage of available preventative care benefits. These include annual flu shot and pneumonia shots, health screenings, including mammograms, and immunizations for children. With all of us doing our part to promote health, we can make a difference, and extra years of happiness will be sure to follow.