| 1. | Review and discuss medical bills that appear excessive |
| 2. | Communicate with a medical bill administrator for possible errors |
| 3. | Seek a tax break if medical bills exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income |
| 4. | Review Earned Income Credit for additional tax breaks |
| 5. | Self-Employed individuals can deduct 100% of their health care costs |
| 6. | Investigate Children’s Health Insurance Program for families |
| 7. | Utilize 24-hour nurse-on-call services for self-employed individuals |
| 8. | Use Emergi-Centers for non emergency issues |
| 9. | Recover at home after surgery |
| 10. | Look for non-profit vs. investor owned for profit hospitals for affordable care |
| 11. | Search for programs for low income families such as the Hill-Burton Program |
| 12. | Be informed as to when to stay home to treat your pain on your own |
| 13. | Check for medical centers in your area that offer free screenings |
| 14. | Ask your new medical practitioner about their charges before appointments |
| 15. | Get a second opinion by contacting HealthAllies.com |
| 16. | Don’t pay twice for a second opinion; bring a copy of your medical records |
| 17. | Bring your previous dental records to your new dentist to avoid duplicate costs |
| 18. | Familiarize yourself with your insurance plan |
| 19. | Find a hospital that offers incentives |
| 20. | Order your prescription drugs in quantity by mail or phone |
| 21. | Ask your physician to prescribe generic drugs |
| 22. | Request drug samples from your doctor to test for effectiveness before buying |
| 23. | Take only the drugs you really need to reduce cost |
| 24. | Purchase over-the-counter medication to alleviate minor discomfort |
| 25. | Buy inexpensive supplements |
| 26. | Purchase home test kits |
| 27. | Know your Medicare benefits |
| 28. | Find a doctor that accepts Medicare |
| 29. | Question your Medicare reimbursements |
| 30. | Seek medical equipment discounts |
| 31. | Share housing with other seniors instead of a nursing home |
| 32. | Try senior day care |
| 33. | Self-employed individuals should look into a group insurance plan |
| 34. | Choose a higher insurance deductible |
| 35. | Pay premiums annually |
| 36. | Review your policy annually |
| 37. | Ask a professional about additional cancer insurance |
| 38. | Understand your benefits for catastrophic illness |
| 39. | Know about filing insurance claims |
| 40. | Educate yourself about health issues |
| 41. | Find free health advice at pueblo.gsa.gov |
| 42. | Call toll-free health care hotlines |