If you decide to buy your prescription drugs online to cut costs, be careful of the source. It has to be genuine formulations or there may be adverse effects. Look for the endorsement of the VIPPA, a quality-control association for online drug purchases.

Check Your Bill – Know Your Plan

It is estimated that 80 percent of medical invoices contain errors. Check your paperwork. Ask questions and be persistent. The insurance companies are counting on you not pursuing the issue.

Also, follow the fine print referring to in-network providers, referrals and pre-certifications for out-of-network providers. Make sure you know what your plan covers. Some cover alternative treatments you may not be aware of.

Stay insured. Cobra will charge you the full cost of your health coverage plus two percent. But if your insurance lapses and you don’t get insurance within 63 days, the new company can turn you down for any pre-existing conditions or refuse to cover those conditions.

Widen your network. If an out-of-network provider is a more experienced physician, ask if he or she can be included as in-network. Explain why this decision is essential for your health care.

Hospitals add a steep surcharge to devices like crutches so you may be better off purchasing these items yourself.

Don’t be denied on your claim. Keep track of everything discussed, starting with whom you are talking to, along with the time, date, and conversation points. Record, record, record.