5 Strategies For Managing the Rising Costs of Healthcare

Available for Interviews: Mario Payne, CFP

Mario Payne is a Certified Personal Planner and is the Founder of TOAMS Financial in Jacksonville and brings over 15 years of investment experience to his business. He is also the author of the forthcoming book, The R.e.l.a.x. Investor: A Stress-Free Approach to Investing While Building Wealth.

What Mario Payne could say on
Managing the Rising Costs of Healthcare:

 1. Understand Your Health Insurance Plan. It’s important to fully understand your health insurance coverage, including your covered services, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your preferred providers are in-network. This understanding can help you avoid surprise charges.

 2. Utilize Preventive Care. Many insurance plans cover preventive services at no cost to you. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can catch health issues early before they become serious (and potentially more expensive) problems.

 3. Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). These accounts allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare expenses. An HSA can be particularly beneficial because the funds roll over year to year and can be invested, potentially growing your savings over time.

 4. Negotiate Medical Bills. Don’t hesitate to negotiate if you’re faced with a large medical bill. Some providers may offer discounts if you pay in cash or set up a payment plan. Additionally, always check your medical bills for errors, which can be more common than you think.

 5. Stay Healthy. While you can’t completely prevent illness, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can potentially reduce healthcare costs. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding risky behaviors like smoking can all contribute to better overall health.