It's that time of year when we all seem to be mired in alphabet soup – and not the kind you eat. Open enrollment for benefits plans is here, and that includes choosing health insurance coverage. As employers and insurers shift more of the cost to users, the annual choice gets harder, whether you … [Read more...] about HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS: Decoding the alphabet soup of health care
Health & Beauty
FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
It's open enrollment time in most workplaces, as well as for those who use the Affordable Care Act exchange, which means health care consumers are trying to make sense of the alphabet soup of the available benefits. One choice many face is how best to maximize the tax savings that come with some … [Read more...] about FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are great way to save for future medical expenses and to reduce your current taxes. As we all face increased out-of-pocket medical expenses, one method to prepare is to open an HSA, which is like an IRA but offers a triple tax advantage. Your contribution is … [Read more...] about Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Take a bite out of dental costs
More than half of Americans (nearly 130 million) go without dental coverage. For some it's just too expensive. Others believe dental insurance doesn't provide a great return on investment. But that tiny cavity can turn into serious health problems if left unattended. Yours truly has had so many root … [Read more...] about Take a bite out of dental costs
Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Eye exams and prescription eyeglasses can be pricey, and eye care might not be included in your insurance benefits package. But the health of your eyes is just as important as dental and other other medical procedures. Here are a few ways to save money on exams and eye wear, both glasses and contact … [Read more...] about Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Bike sharing for health & economy
Bicycles are ideal for trips that are too far to walk but too short to drive. They are are an environmentally friendly, economical and healthy way to get around town -- either your own town or a place you are visiting. Bike sharing is a way to reap the benefits without buying or maintaining a bike, … [Read more...] about Bike sharing for health & economy
Inexpensive ways to get fit
Looking to get a jump start on a fitness routine but don't want to spend a ton on equipment you don't know how to use or a gym memberships you don't have time to use? Check out these seven inexpensive ways to get fit in the new year. Jump rope This old school yard toy is a simple and … [Read more...] about Inexpensive ways to get fit
8 places to find a discount massage
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While I was getting an expensive four-part body treatment at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale -- offered to me free of charge -- I thought of that saying, "Do more of what you love." The quote generally applies to work. But as I lay on that massage table for 80 minutes, my masseuse, … [Read more...] about 8 places to find a discount massage
12 ways to save money on health care
The last time I went to the pharmacy to fill a prescription, for generic ear drops to treat eczema, I almost had a heart attack when they handed me the bill: $184. The last time, I had paid $10. I whipped out my phone and found a coupon that cut the price to $23, as long as the purchase didn't go … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save money on health care
8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
Medical costs are rising across the United States, and patients are left paying a bigger percentage of the bill. Most Americans, whether their health insurance is provided through an employer, the Affordable Care Act exchange or the open market, are paying a higher share of their medical care costs … [Read more...] about 8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
10 ways to save on prescription drugs
When my friend, Mark, developed whooping cough for the second time, he knew what to expect. A quick phone call to his doctor got Mark the antibiotics and cough syrup he needed. His only mistake? This go-round, Mark had the prescriptions called in to his nearest drugstore. When he went to pick … [Read more...] about 10 ways to save on prescription drugs
How to find the right Medicare Part D plan
Most people are surprised to learn when they reach age 65 and sign up for Medicare that the standard government health plan does not cover prescription drugs. To get prescription coverage, you need to sign up with a private insurance company for Medicare Part D. That supplements Part A (which covers … [Read more...] about How to find the right Medicare Part D plan
